Woburn Sands charity shop reopens as stylish new community space

Willen Hospice’s Woburn Sands shop and café has reopened after a full refurbishment, and it’s much more than just a fresh coat of paint. The new look creates a bright, modern space at the heart of the community, helping to fund the specialist end-of-life care that so many Milton Keynes families rely on.

If you live in MK, there’s a good chance you or someone you know has been supported by Willen Hospice. For over 40 years, the charity has provided compassionate care to patients and their families, both at the Hospice and in people’s homes. To continue this work, it needs to raise £12 million each year, with around half coming from donations, fundraising, and its network of shops.

The newly refurbished Woburn Sands store now feels more like a boutique than a traditional charity shop. There’s a dedicated café seating area, a lighter, more spacious layout, and a clearer display of clothing and accessories, making it easier (and more enjoyable) to browse.

Retail is a huge part of how the Hospice raises funds, bringing in over a quarter of its income across 15 shops in Milton Keynes and nearby areas. Recent openings in Oxley Park, Brooklands and Stony Stratford have expanded that reach, and this year will see several major refits, including Newport Pagnell, Buckingham, possible Olney and now Woburn Sands.

The goal is simple: create a better shopping experience, encourage high-quality donations, and welcome people who might not usually visit a charity shop.

And if you haven’t stepped into one recently, you might be surprised. The old “jumble sale” image is gone, replaced by stylish, well-presented spaces that wouldn’t look out of place on the high street. This shift has been led by CEO Kate Broadhurst, who brought 25 years of experience from John Lewis. It’s already making an impact, with retail income up 25% last year and aiming for 35% growth this year.

There are plenty of ways to support Willen Hospice:

• Donate good-quality items, most of the stock (around 90%) comes from local people

• Volunteer, helping shops run efficiently so more money goes directly to care

• Shop or stop for a coffee, every purchase helps fund vital services

  
  

To find out more or see how you can get involved, visit the Willen Hospice website.