Hawkchurch Community Shop
COVID -19 Changes
All customers visiting the Hawkchurch Community Shop should wear a face covering from 24th September unless they are exempt.
How the shop is operating
During the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak we will be following government advice and aim to support all of our customers whether they are self-distancing or in self-isolation. To protect both our customers and our volunteers we are have changed the way we operate and have all the necessary measures in place to keep you and our volunteers safe.
When we have to make choices, we are prioritising the vulnerable in the community, those who have to self-isolate because someone in the household has symptoms of coronavirus and those who have to be shielded as they are especially at risk.
If you are in one of the following categories, we will still find ways to help you and we would like you to call the shop on 01297 678 999 so that we can ensure we understand your situation and what you need:
- You are ‘self-isolating’ (this means that you, and where relevant your family, are staying at home because you have symptoms of coronavirus infection);
- You are being ‘shielded’ (this means that you are in one of the groups identified by the Chief Medical Officer as exceptionally vulnerable to the coronavirus infection). You should have received a letter from your GP telling you to stay at home for 12 weeks.
- You are otherwise vulnerable and have difficulty accessing services.
- You are a ‘key worker’ as defined by the government.
We will still deliver to people in these categories where needed.
You will understand the need for taking this approach. We are aware that there are many of us in the community who are anxious, that the majority of us are required to ‘stay at home’, but that there are also some key workers in our midst who also need our support.
We are doing all we can to ensure our stocks remain consistent, working with our suppliers to have regular deliveries and expanding our range of goods and services to reflect the communities needs during this period.
We are committed to keeping the shop opening and providing a service to the community during the COVID-19 outbreak, but we need to ensure we are doing everything according to guidance so that we reduce risk and protect both the community and our amazing volunteers.
With the exception of people who are in the categories set out above, we will only be taking orders for bread, milk and eggs from other customers. We are confident about our suppliers of these products and advance ordering means we can manage stock levels and have a better chance of satisfying demand.
For all other items please come to the shop.These changes do not mean we are low on stock – we have plenty of stock but what we can source at any one time is now variable from day to day.
We have access to a good supply of fresh fruit and vegetables and also fresh and frozen meat. Again, the stock is variable and dependent on what is available from the suppliers.
If you wish to you can call before coming to the shop to check what we have in stock.
If you feel any changes to the way we operate places you in a vulnerable position please contact the shop. We will do all we can to help. We will continue to deliver to those who are not able to come and collect because they are being shielded, are self-isolating because of suspected infection or are otherwise vulnerable.
How you can help
To help us cope with the demand we would like you to help where you can.
Please give us 3-5 days notice of your order. This gives us a better chance of fulfilling everyone’s order.
Where possible please place a weekly order by calling the shop between 9am and 1pm. You can specify the day of the week you will collect. You can place different orders for different days of the week.
This gives us a better view of demand and helps us match supplies.
Please do NOT use the shop email for orders.
If you cannot order by phone, please do come and speak to us at the shop. We wish to help all of our community.
Please bring your own box or bag if you are collecting. We will supply bags or boxes for deliveries.
When walking up to the shop to purchase or collect please remember to keep your distance (6.5 feet / 2m) and wear a face covering unless you are exempt.
We will open 9am-1pm Monday to Friday and 10am-12noon Saturday and Sunday
If you are collecting orders from the shop, systems will be in-place to pass your goods to you and take payment whilst maintaining social distancing.
Customers are now able to enter the shop, but if you prefer you can place your order, wait outside and pay at the window.
The shop is now able to accept payments by card over the phone, and arrangements are being put in place for bank transfers and payments on account. Cash will be accepted on a limited basis.