Community Hubs drive growth strategy as Woodlands opens third retail site

 A Not for Profit is set to expand its retail presence in Lancashire for the third time in less than two years. 

Woodlands Animal Sanctuary will open its latest Community Hub in Southport on Saturday, 7 February – supporting its long-term strategy to generate sustainable, recurring income to meet growing demand for its services.  

It marks the charity’s third retail opening since October 2024 – complementing its thriving Hubs in Skelmersdale and Chorley. 

“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,” said Founding Trustee Vickie Blackburn. 

“Choosing the town for our latest venue is 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. With daily operating costs of £1,000, the charity’s Trustees have focused over the last 12 months on diversifying income streams through retail outlets, corporate partnerships, experience days, lottery schemes and legacy giving.

“We match our income to the number of animals we care for, not the other way round,” explained Vickie. “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.” 

This impact extends beyond animal welfare. Woodlands works closely with public sector partners to offer volunteering opportunities through probation services and social prescribing referrals. This work recognises that people who are struggling with mental health, isolation or reintegration gain therapeutic benefits from caring for animals. An educational programme – promoting responsible pet ownership – has benefited more than 1,000 young people in the past 12 months. 

“Corporate volunteering, team away days and animal carer experiences are also available to local employers looking to increase morale, engagement and job satisfaction; achieve their Corporate Social Responsibility objectives; or increase their brand visibility,” added Vickie. 

The Southport Hub, located on 67 East Bank Street, will operate five days a week from 10am to 4.30pm.  

“It is only four months since we opened the Chorley Hub, and the pace of growth Woodlands is currently experiencing has energised the entire team,” concluded Vickie, who took over the running of the Sanctuary following her mother’s passing from cancer.

“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.”