SPAR UK is continuing its commitment to multiple charities around the UK to ensure local communities have access to food and essentials and the ability to shop in a safe environment. Although lockdown measures have eased, SPAR recognises that there are still many vulnerable people in local communities who continue to need support. Working together with the retail and charity sector, SPAR is urging everyone to continue their support for those who are vulnerable or have hidden illnesses despite lockdown measures easing. 

Twenty-four charities, including Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK, Independent Age, RNIB, National Autistic Society, and Diabetes UK, have been collaborating with SPAR and fourteen convenience and multiple retailers, Defra and ACS to ensure that all communities continue to be supported with access to essential food.

Louise Hoste, SPAR UK Managing Director, said: “Throughout the pandemic, SPAR stores have been lifelines for many people in our local communities, especially those who are vulnerable or who have additional needs. The amazing support and acts of kindness from store teams and shoppers have been overwhelming. We are committed to supporting all who need our help and assistance. It is a priority that everyone has access to food and essential items and the ability to shop safely.”

Throughout the pandemic, SPAR has been committed to supporting everyone in their local communities with their shopping needs. The group has partnered with RVS, through the NHS volunteers service by providing easier payment solutions in several SPAR stores. 

Following the success of the volunteer payment scheme, this support was then extended to SPAR’s national charity partner Marie Curie along with Parkinson’s UK and RNIB. SPAR also continues to work with Alzheimer’s Society. 

Over 7,000 employees have been trained to make shopping easier for those with Dementia. These employees wear the Dementia friends badge to show they understand the condition and know how to help.

SPAR UK has supported The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) by circulating best practice guidelines on how to support anyone who is blind or partially sighted in all 2,600 stores. RNIB has also praised SPAR and EUROSPAR stores in Northern Ireland for their support both in-store and with their, already existing, next-day home delivery service.  

As face coverings are now mandatory across all stores in England and Scotland, SPAR store teams have been advising customers to wear a face covering. To keep to high standards of health and safety, Perspex screens, hand sanitiser and in-store signage demonstrating Government guidance are also available in all SPAR stores throughout the UK.

Hoste added: “Even though lockdown measures have eased there are still many vulnerable people in our local communities who need our support. We are committed to working alongside numerous charities and retailers to ensure that everyone continues to be supported.”

Source: SPAR UK

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About SPAR UK

The UK became a member of SPAR in 1956 when a group of independent wholesalers was granted the SPAR licence by SPAR International. There are five regional partners in the UK with strategically placed Distribution Centres in each region. A central office, located in London, provides national marketing and buying services for the group and supports the development of the brand

SPAR has led the convenience market in the UK for many years but has faced increasing competition. Always innovative, the five regional partners have continued to grow the brand. Throughout the UK, a combination of independently-owned licensed retailers and company-owned stores can be found, spanning forecourts, airports, train stations, city centres, and local neighbourhoods.