Charity announces planned closure of several high street shops in Bristol region

The stores have lost money for the charity
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A charity helping young people with cancer is planning to close all its shops after its latest financial report revealed they had madea substantial loss.

Young Lives vs Cancer Charity had raised £26.3m by the end of 2022, £4.1m more than in 2020/21. However, the retail shops only raised five per cent of the funds and sustained £2.8m in trading costs.

Overall, there has been a £1.4m net loss caused by retail trading. The financial report also estimated the charity would be liable for £1m in costs to repair and vacate its shops and a further £0.3m on overheads.

It comes after one of the charity’s shops, in Staple Hill, was targeted by arsonists in February.

In total, the charirty has five stores in the Bristol region; Downend, Fishponds, Keynsham, Shirehampton and Staple Hill - although according to its website, Shirehampton is closed.

The charity has begun a four-week consultation with its staff and is engaging with its affected volunteers. Young Lives vs Cancer will communicate their final decision after the consultation period, which is due to end in June.

The charity aims to support children and young people aged 0 to 25 and their families on their journey facing cancer. Its services include offering information to families, financial support, day-to-day support and support during grieving.

Most of Young Lives vs Cancer’s funds come from donations and legacies.

In a statement, the charity said: Following a review of Young Lives vs Cancer’s retail shops, we are proposing that we close the charity’s chain of shops.  We have begun a four-week consultation with staff and are engaging with our effected volunteers, and will communicate the final decision following the consultation period.“

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