Pop-up Barnado’s charity shop set for Aria Court care home in March

Residents of a March care home are set to enjoy a unique shopping experience, without setting a foot outside the door.

Aria Court care home has developed a special partnership with the local Barnardo’s charity shop, and on Thursday, March 27, from 10.30am the cafe area of the home will be transformed into a pop-up shop offering a selection of clothes, knick-knacks and even some new items.

The idea behind the event is to bring the joy of shopping to residents, particularly those who may find it difficult to travel into town.

Lifestyle coordinator Kanina O’Neil said: “We have visited the Barnardo’s shop in town before and thought it would be great if they could come to us.

“After chatting with the team at the charity shop about what we were thinking, we decided on a pop-up shop here at Aria Court for our residents and their families to enjoy.”

The Aria Court team will help residents to visit the pop-up shop, ensuring that everyone gets a chance to browse and purchase items at their own pace.

The event is expected to be a wonderful experience for residents while also providing valuable support for the Barnardo’s charity, which helps vulnerable children and young people.

This collaboration highlights the importance of maintaining strong links with the local community, something both Aria Court and parent company Athena Care Homes strongly value.

By hosting events like this, Aria Court continues to create enriching experiences for its residents while fostering meaningful connections with local organisations.

Why the shopping experience is important for our residents:

 Encourages social interaction: Shopping provides a chance for residents to engage with team members, fellow residents, and visitors.

 Boosts mental wellbeing: Choosing and purchasing items can offer a sense of independence and personal choice, which is beneficial for mental health.

 Brings back fond memories: Many older people have enjoyed shopping throughout their lives, and events like this can bring back happy

memories and promote discussions.

 Provides a sense of the everyday: A shopping experience within their residence allows older adults to enjoy everyday activities despite

mobility challenges.

 Supports cognitive engagement: Browsing items, making decisions, and handling money can help keep cognitive skills sharp.

 Enhances self-esteem: The ability to choose clothing and accessories helps individuals express their personality and feel good about themselves.

The upcoming pop-up shop is set to be a fantastic opportunity for residents to enjoy shopping in a familiar and comfortable environment, all while supporting a great cause.