Specsavers customers' goodwill donations help the homeless in Dacorum

Specsavers in Hemel Hempstead, with the support of its customers, has been raising money for DENS over the last few months.

The team at Specsavers Hemel Hempstead decided to set up the charity fundraising initiative to help the local community during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Customers who visited the store gave a donation in exchange for goodwill minor repairs and adjustments to their glasses.

Established for over 16 years, DENS supports people in Dacorum facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion.

It ensures individuals have access to temporary and short-term accommodation, and individuals and families have access to emergency food and provisions. It also provides accommodation options to support people to move on, and sustain their own tenancy.

It provides advice and training, as well as social enterprise projects, to assist individuals with employability; empowering people to develop their skills and build and enhance their self-confidence.

Amy Cook, Specsavers store manager and Priti Amrania, dispensing assistant/PR said: "We are overjoyed at the support of our customers who have helped us to raise a total £176.78 for DENS.

"The team have been completely behind this very worthy initiative, and have been incredibly motivated in fundraising to support their local community and to make a difference."

DENS Relationship Community Fundraiser, Charlotte McCarthy said: "We provide a range of services, which together form a pathway to support individuals, helping them to take the next positive steps in their lives, and become active members of the community.

"This kind donation will be vital in ensuring we can continue to meet the demand and support of the most vulnerable people in our community.

"In fact the £176.78 could help us bring six rough sleepers in from the cold, and provide them with emergency bed space, especially when temperatures drop to freezing outside.

"Thank you once again for helping to rebuild the lives of vulnerable local people. Your support is very much appreciated during these challenging times and the weeks and months to come.

Under current government guidance, Specsavers stores remain open for all eye and hearing needs during lockdown.

In line with NHS recommendations, Specsavers colleagues use personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the stores, wear face masks and other PPE during tests, and all testing equipment and frames are thoroughly sanitised before and after each use.

Appointments need to be made in advance and there are also restrictions on the number of customers allowed in store at any one time, strict social distancing rules and, where possible, card instead of cash payments.

For more information or to request an appointment, you can either call Specsavers Hemel Hempstead on 01442 212141 or book an appointment online.