MARY Stevens Hospice will be getting the support from a Stourbridge shopping centre next week as part of the Local Charities Day national campaign.

The town centre’s Ryemarket is supporting the Hagley Road-based hospice on Friday, December 16, with representatives from the charity in the shopping centre all day, raising awareness of the work done for local families and raising funds for patient care.

Stores and shopping centre staff will also be supporting the hospice by wearing their Christmas jumpers on the day, which will see employees donate £1 to come to work in their festive outfits.

Kelley Dyas, Ryemarket centre manager, said: “Local charities are so important within our community and we are proud to support Mary Stevens Hospice on this special day.”

Amanda Bowen, the hospice’s community engagement officer, said: “This year, perhaps more so than ever before, we are reliant on our incredible local community to help us help more and more families in Dudley borough in their hour of need, and we’re delighted to receive the support of an iconic local institution like the Ryemarket as we look to do that.

“Local Charities Day is a fantastic initiative and one we’re grateful for, as any opportunity to talk about the families we support and the work that we do is welcomed with open arms.

“We’ll be there all day, so pop on a Christmas jumper and come down to have a chat!”

The Local Charities Day initiative is a national campaign organised by the minister for civil society, Rob Wilson, in an attempt by the government to thrust local charities into the spotlight.

Mr Wilson said: “On Local Charities Day, I want us all to shout from the rooftops about small, local charities; their energy, commitment, expertise and the benefits they bring to their communities.

“We have already done a huge amount of work for small and local charities, reducing regulation and introducing a bill to parliament which will make Gift Aid even more flexible and generous.

“There is more to do, and Local Charities Day and campaigns like Grow Your Tenner give us a chance to ensure that these responsive, locally engaged and committed organisations get the recognition they deserve, helping us build a Britain that works for everyone.”