Heartbeat: Agewell hospital shop benefits older people across Sandwell

February 23, 2023

Did you know that when you buy something from the Agewell Shop, located at the entrance to the outpatients’ department at Sandwell Hospital, you are also helping support older people across the borough?

Agewell is a Sandwell-based, social enterprise which since 1997 has been delivering services to help local, older people to stay healthier and enjoy a better quality of life. As a Community Interest Company, any profits made are reinvested to enable more local, older people to be supported.

Agewell Services Manager, Pauline Withey runs the shop along with other staff members and a team of volunteers.

“Our volunteers are amazing,” says Pauline. “Two of the five currently working with us have been here since April 2016 when we first opened our doors and I can’t speak highly enough about them and their dedication. We are like one big family supporting each other – and we are always looking for other volunteers to join us, so please come forward if you think this may be something you’d like to do.”

The shop is open Monday to Friday and is popular with staff, patients and relatives who want to pick up a quick drink, snack or newspaper. Prior to Covid, a trolley round also took place daily and it is hoped this will start again soon.

Donations of quality second hand items, including books, are received regularly and are always welcome. Sandwell Libraries have recently donated some of their obsolete paperback books which are very popular. Most books sell for 50p and many are bought and donated back to the shop several times. Children’s toys, crockery, coats and other second hand clothes don’t hang around for long either, so pop in regularly and you could pick up a bargain!

There’s often a good selection of hand knitted items on sale too thanks to a local housebound lady and her neighbour who get pleasure from knitting the baby bonnets, cardigans, gloves and hats. Online charity, Textiles Satkaar Group, also donates baby sets which are knitted and crocheted by ladies who chat via Zoom to overcome their feelings of isolation.

The shop is also home to the popular Sapphire Service which Agewell delivers in partnership with the West Bromwich African Caribbean Resource Centre. This service is an integral part of the integrated discharge hub at the hospital and provides up to six weeks of support for older patients leaving hospital to help prevent their readmission. It’s run from the office at the shop and receives around 25 new cases every week. Look out for staff in their eye-catching green t-shirts and hoodies.

A new addition to the service over the past 12 months has been the supply of emergency food parcels which are put together in the shop for patients being discharged from hospital who might not have carers visiting until the following day. A typical parcel includes a loaf of bread, cheese, butter, milk and biscuits as well as some tinned and packet items.

“Our hospital shop really is a hive of activity,” concludes Pauline. “Thank you to everyone who supports us with their custom and donations.”