NEWS
NHS CHARITIES TOGETHER IN PARTNERSHIP WITH M & S STORES
KATE SPADE NEW YORK OPENS AT MCARTHURGLEN DESIGNER OUTLET , ASHFORD
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford has announced the expansion of the centre ’ s premium retail offering , with the opening of global lifestyle brand , Kate Spade New York .
Guests are now able to explore the luxury American fashion label at Ashford Designer Outlet , enjoying savings of up to 60 % RRP .
Peter Corr , centre manager comments : “ We ’ re delighted to welcome Kate Spade to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford . As an established , global luxury brand , Kate Spade has a unique and sophisticated style which we know will appeal to our guests . We remain committed to offering the very best shopping experience and are thrilled to be home to a growing selection of exciting premium fashion and lifestyle brands .”
GYMBOREE PLAY & MUSIC OPENS AT ROYAL VICTORIA PLACE , TUNBRIDGE WELLS
M & S stores across East Kent have been raising funds for NHS Charities Together over the last few months and customers have already raised over £ 33,500 .
All money raised for NHS Charities Together goes towards helping local communities , and Kent-based NHS charity , East Kent Hospitals Charity is one of a number of recipients of a recent donation . The vital funds have supported the development of wellbeing initiatives for staff across five hospitals , helping them to deal with the pressures during COVID-19 .
The funding has helped the charity to support Trauma Risk Management training for volunteers , helping deliver psychological support to their colleagues .
The funding also directly supported patients across the hospital ’ s wards who were unable to receive visitors , by introducing additional activities for them during this time . These included providing Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activities ( RITAs ), a digital system that reduces feelings of anxiety and helps evoke memories with patients living with dementia . Patients also received activities such as puzzle books and painting kits , which helped to provide both therapy and entertainment during this difficult time .
Donations from M & S have been raised through a number of initiatives , including the retailer ’ s Rainbow Sale ( where 10 % of each purchase , excluding VAT , is donated to the chairy ), limited edition NHS Charities Together Bags for Life , M & S ’ s All in This Together T-shirts , and through one-off donations at the till points .
Rupert Williamson , fundraising manager at East Kent Hospitals Charity said : “ We have been facing some unprecedented challenges during COVID-19 and this has been eased by businesses rallying to the support of the NHS . We have been overwhelmed and touched by the donations and support across the local community , and the many gifted items for hospital staff from scrubs to pizzas . We ’ d like to thank M & S customers and colleagues across East Kent for their generous donation , which have funded vital support and wellbeing initiatives for our amazing NHS Heroes .”
Gymboree Play & Music is opening its doors to a new 1,000 sq ft play centre at Royal Victoria Place this month , welcoming parents and children from Tunbridge Wells and beyond .
The children ’ s play centre will offer members a range of classes including music , art , sensory baby play , and play & learn . Classes are designed by experts in both education and play , and focus on age-appropriate activities to help develop the cognitive , physical and social skills of children as they play .
Lucy Gill , owner of Gymboree Play & Music Tunbridge Wells said : “ Royal Victoria Place feels like the perfect place to re-launch this wonderful programme within our community after a successful two years in the Tunbridge Wells Garden Centre and a difficult start to 2020 due to Covid-19 . From the moment they walk in the door , parents can see that we ’ ve created an environment where little ones are free to move , play and explore safely in our new home . We know safety will be the top priority of all parents , and we ’ ve been through a very thorough process of risk assessments to ensure our members can enjoy everything Gymboree Play & Music has to offer in a safe environment .”
All classes at Gymboree Play & Music , including the free trial on offer at launch , will need to be pre-booked online , via email or over the telephone to ensure safe social distancing at the centre .
Parents can book a free trial , and view the opening week timetable online via www . gymboreeclasses . co . uk / franchisees / tunbridge-wells
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