We're only one month away from Christmas and many of us will be uncertain at this time what the day itself will hold for us this year.

The exchanging of gifts this year may feel even more relevant as a way of showing our love and appreciation for those we have been unable to spend time with during the past few months. As we have now entered local 'lockdowns' it has been necessary for us to once again close some of the Strathcarron shops. This has been devastating after working so hard to re-open in a safe way for staff, volunteers and, of course, customers. People who donate their pre-loved or new items for us to sell are an integral part of the funding to the Hospice and under normal circumstances the shops collectively raise enough money to pay for our Community Nurse Specialist Team. This team of 13 specialist nurses care for people in their own homes across the whole Hospice catchment area and are a vital element of the care we provide.

The Hospice shops which remain opened at the moment are: Denny, Falkirk Furniture store and Melville Street, Stenhousemuir and Alloa. At this difficult time we would ask you support your local shops to enable us to continue funding our Clinical Nurse Specialist team. During COVID-19 this team has extended their expertise to support local Care Home staff so their time is placed under even more pressure.

If you are unable to get out to the shops you can also visit us online at Shop | Strathcarron Hospice where you will find a range of lovely new gifts to buy for someone special. Enjoy some Strathcarron Retail Therapy.