The move is aimed at strengthening links with the local community while helping to fund care for families across the region.
The hospice provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care across Swindon, north-east Wiltshire and neighbouring parts of Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire.
Since 2024, it has cared for 272 patients and families living in and around Watchfield, covering the SN6 and SN7 postcode areas.
Although an exact location and opening date have not yet been confirmed, recruitment for staff and volunteers is already under way ahead of the launch.
Stuart Necrews, Head of Commercial Income at Prospect Hospice, said: “We’re really excited about the opportunity to open a shop in Watchfield and become part of the local community in a new way.
“We already support patients and families in and around Watchfield, and this is a natural next step for us. Our shops are about more than just raising funds, they’re places where people come together, connect and feel part of something local.”
Like many hospices across the UK, the charity relies heavily on fundraising and income generated by its retail network to help fund patient care and family support services.
Mr Necrews said volunteers are vital to the success of its shops.
He added: “Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do in our shops and the wider hospice. They bring energy, personality and a real sense of community – and quite simply, we couldn’t operate our shops without them.
“We’re looking for volunteers to help us build the team from the ground up. Whether people can spare a few hours or want to help on a more flexible basis, there’s a role for everyone. And we’d love to hear from them.”
Once open, the Watchfield shop will also rely on donations of good-quality pre-loved items from local residents.
Anyone interested in volunteering can find out more via the Prospect Hospice volunteering.
