I was proud to welcome Willen Hospice to Parliament for a special charity shop pop-up in the Jubilee Room – bringing a vital piece of Milton Keynes and the spirit of ‘No Buying New’ to Westminster, while shining a spotlight on a cause that matters deeply to our community.
For many people in Milton Keynes, Willen Hospice is there at the moments that matter most – providing care, comfort and support to both patients and their families. But like hospices across the country, it faces growing financial pressures, and that’s why its innovative approach to fundraising is so important.
With 15 shops across our region, Willen Hospice generates more than a quarter of its income through retail, offering everything from high street fashion to specialist experiences like Off the Record and its unique clearance outlet in Stacey Bushes. These shops give people the opportunity to shop sustainably, reducing waste and supporting a more conscious way of consuming.
Hosting the pop-up in Parliament was about more than just great finds (although there were plenty!). It was about telling the story of how community generosity, through donations and purchases alike, directly supports hospice care for local people. Every item sold helps ensure that patients and their loved ones continue to receive the care they deserve.
I’ve personally been a long-time supporter of shopping second-hand, and I was delighted to see colleagues in Parliament taking inspiration and exploring charity shops in their own constituencies too. It’s a simple shift, but one that can make a real difference.
At a time when nearly 60% of hospices are facing cuts to frontline services, we must do more to recognise and support the role they play in healthcare, and our communities. Initiatives like this show that sustainable shopping and local giving can go hand in hand, helping to secure the future of hospice care for generations to come.
