By the end of May we will have fully refurbished one retail outlet (James Paget in Norwich) and refreshed another (Borders in Scotland) as part of a major investment in bringing WRVS services to life in our hospital shops and catering units. 

The new look involves header boards featuring the WRVS strap line (Positive about age, practical about life), and bold gifting boards that make it clear who we are and what services we offer in the community.

Each outlet will be equipped with posters and leaflets to explain what other WRVS services and volunteering opportunities there are in each area. We will be briefing our people on these services, and giving them prompt cards to help answer basic questions or give out contact details.

We are piloting the process in the ten outlets listed below between now and September, before rolling out to all of our retail and catering outlets in hospitals by October 2010.

• Epsom Hospital, Surrey
• Wolverhampton New Cross Hospital
• Bromley Hospital, south London
• St Barts. Hospital, London
• Birmingham Womens Hospital
• Woodend Hospital, Aberdeen
• Borders Hospital, Scotland
• Hairmyers Hospital, East Kilbride
• Neath & Port Talbot Hospital
• Velindre Hospital, Cardiff

The roll-out will align with our new regional structure. It supports our strategy of integrating our services, and takes in the objectives of NHS trusts and boards, particularly the healthy eating agenda, strengthening volunteering and links with the local community. 

WRVS shop at Borders Hospital after the refresh	WRVS shop at Borders Hospital after the refresh
The outside of WRVS' shop at James Paget Hospital	The outside of WRVS' shop at James Paget Hospital after the refurbishment
The inside of WRVS' shop at James Paget Hospital	The inside of WRVS' shop at James Paget Hospital after the refurbishment

Why are we doing this?
To give people a clearer idea of who we are, what we do, and what their purchase allows us to do. It will make it easier for us to engage with influential individuals and organisations, attract new staff and volunteers, and raise more money.

How can we afford to do this?
We can't afford not to. We need a strong and distinctive brand that clearly says what we do in order to retain our places in hospitals, meet changing agendas, and generate funds - or we could lose these critical outlets.

Why retail and not the other projects?
They are the biggest opportunity the public has to experience WRVS.

What can I do to make this a success?
The most important thing is that everyone understands what we are doing and why. For further information, read the our brand section or improving our brand on the website or call Pippa Nash, marketing manager, on 01235 442919, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it