WOODLANDS Animal Sanctuary has thanked Southport residents after the grand opening of its new Community Hub at 67 Eastbank Street on Saturday.

The launch marks the charity’s 3rd retail opening since October 2024 – complementing its thriving Hubs in Skelmersdale and Chorley.

Founding Trustee Vickie Blackburn, said:- “We have received incredible, long-standing support from Southport and its residents, who have backed our mission to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals over the past 20 years. Choosing the town for our latest venue was our way of giving back – by offering Cost of Living-based support through the sale of preloved goods. We don’t want families to have to choose between feeding themselves or their much-loved pets, so we are also launching a pet food bank to help prevent the trauma of animal abandonment when basic care needs cannot be met.”

Woodlands is the largest multispecies sanctuary in West Lancashire and has rehomed 3,300 animals since 2020. As part of its mission to connect human and animal welfare, the charity offers a children’s educational programme, volunteer opportunities and corporate partnerships.

Proceeds from all three Community Hubs go directly towards the Sanctuary’s daily operating costs of £1,000.

Vickie explained:- “Put simply, the more income we generate, the more animals we can help; the more suffering we can alleviate; and the greater the positive impact we can make across Lancashire and its communities.”

Reflecting on a strong 1st day of trading, Sales Assistant Mark Lewis praised local residents:- “They have been amazing all week while we’ve been preparing for the launch. This unit has been closed since last year, so it was wonderful to see the delight on people’s faces when we explained what we’re here to do. We’re really proud of the layout, having put a lot of work into it, and we enjoyed a steady flow of friendly, welcoming customers all day. A special in-store visit from our rescue goats Elsa and Buzz was a brilliant reminder of how every purchase makes a difference.”

The Southport Hub will operate 5 days a week from 10am to 4.30pm.

Donations of clothing, furniture and household items are welcome, and volunteer opportunities can be explored on the charity’s website.

Vickie, who took over the running of the Sanctuary following her mother’s passing from cancer, said:- “It is only 4 months since we opened the Chorley Hub, and the pace of growth Woodlands is currently experiencing has energised the entire team. To be celebrating achieving finalist status in the ‘Not for Profit’ category of the 2026 Red Rose Awards at the same time we are opening our latest Hub feels very special indeed. I wish our Manager, Stephanie Carr, and all the team every success.”