SPAR Remains Committed to Helping Vulnerable People

August 13, 2020

SPAR is continuing its commitment to multiple charities around the UK to ensure that everyone, including vulnerable people, has access to essentials and the ability to shop in a safe environment.

Twenty-four charities, including Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK, Independent Age, RNIB, Carers UK, Scope, National Autistic Society and Diabetes UK, have been collaborating with SPAR and 14 convenience and multiple retailers, Defra and the ACS to ensure that all communities continue to be supported with access to essential food.

SPAR UK Managing Director Louise Hoste said: “Throughout the pandemic SPAR stores have been lifelines for many people in our local communities, especially those who are vulnerable or who have additional needs.

“The amazing support and acts of kindness from store teams and shoppers has been overwhelming.

“We are committed to working alongside numerous charities and retailers to ensure that everyone continues to be supported.”

Throughout the pandemic SPAR has partnered with RVS, through the NHS volunteers service by providing easier payment solutions in a number of SPAR stores.

Following the success of the volunteer payment scheme, this support was then extended to SPAR’s national charity partner, Marie Curie, along with Parkinson’s UK and RNIB.

SPAR also continues to work with Alzheimer’s Society. Over 7,000 employees have been trained to make shopping easier for those with Dementia. These employees wear the Dementia Friends badge to show they understand the condition and know how to help.

SPAR UK has supported The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) by circulating best practice guidelines on how to support anyone who is blind or partially sighted in all 2,600 stores.

As face coverings are now mandatory across all stores in England and Scotland, SPAR store teams have been advising customers to wear a face covering. In order to keep to high standards of health and safety, Perspex screens, hand sanitiser and in-store signage demonstrating government guidance is also available in all SPAR stores throughout the UK.

The retail sector has been collaborating with 24 leading charities, including Alzheimer’s Society, Shine, Age UK, Independent Age, Disability Rights UK, Dementia UK, RNIB, Carers UK, British Legion, Scope, MND Association, National Autistic Society, MS Society, PSP Association, Pocklington Trust, National Aids Trust, Macmillan, Guide Dogs, Headway and Diabetes UK.

The retail organisations involved include SPAR, Aldi, ASDA, Co-op, Iceland, M&S, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose, Booths, Southern Co-op, One Stop, Lincolnshire Co-op and East of England Co-op, Defra and the ACS.
 

Back to news