British Red Cross
Over 300 shops responding to crises in the UK and around the world
The British Red Cross was established in 1870 as the British National Society for Aid to the Sick and Wounded in War — founded in the wake of Henry Dunant's International Red Cross movement and mobilised to support casualties during the Franco-Prussian War. Within decades it had grown into a national institution, providing medical care and coordinating relief efforts across every major British military conflict. It received its Royal Charter and the prefix 'British Red Cross Society' in 1905.
During both World Wars the British Red Cross became central to the national effort: running field hospitals, staffing mobile canteens, coordinating the delivery of food parcels to prisoners of war, and training hundreds of thousands of volunteers in first aid. After 1945 the organisation turned its focus outward and homeward simultaneously — responding to international disasters while building a network of community support services in the UK.
Today the British Red Cross responds to around 40,000 emergencies in the UK every year — house fires, floods, and sudden crises that leave people in urgent need of practical help. It also provides refugee services, independent living support (helping older and disabled people return safely from hospital), and internationally co-ordinates relief with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in over 190 countries.
The British Red Cross operates over 300 charity shops across the UK, making it one of the country's largest charity retail chains. Shops stock donated clothing, books, homeware, accessories, and fair trade products. Every purchase and donation directly supports the Red Cross's work helping vulnerable people during crises both in the UK and around the world.
British Red Cross relies on volunteers to run its shops. One regular session a week is typically all that's needed.
Volunteer with British Red Cross ↗ Guide to charity shop volunteering →What can I donate to British Red Cross?
Drop donations at your nearest British Red Cross shop. No standard home collection service.
- Clothing & shoes
- Accessories & jewellery
- Books, CDs & DVDs
- Homeware & gifts
- Fair trade items
- Large furniture
- Electrical appliances
- Duvets & pillows
- School uniforms
- Damaged goods
British Red Cross — common questions
When was the British Red Cross founded?
The British Red Cross was founded in 1870 as the British National Society for Aid to the Sick and Wounded in War. It received its Royal Charter and the name 'British Red Cross Society' in 1905. The organisation was inspired by Henry Dunant's International Red Cross movement, established in 1863 after Dunant witnessed the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino.
What does the British Red Cross do in the UK?
The British Red Cross responds to around 40,000 emergencies in the UK each year — providing practical support to people affected by house fires, floods, and other sudden crises. It also runs refugee and asylum seeker support services, an independent living service helping older and disabled people return home from hospital, and first aid training. All of this work is supported in part by income from its charity shops.
What can I donate to a British Red Cross charity shop?
British Red Cross shops accept good-quality clothing, shoes, accessories, books, CDs, DVDs, homeware, jewellery, and gifts. Items should be clean and in good condition. The Red Cross does not generally accept large furniture, electrical appliances, duvets, pillows, or damaged goods. Check with your local shop if you are unsure about specific items.
Does the British Red Cross offer home collection?
The British Red Cross does not operate a standard home collection service for donated goods in the way that the British Heart Foundation does. Donations should be brought directly to your nearest British Red Cross shop.
How do I find my nearest British Red Cross shop?
Use the postcode or location search on this page to find British Red Cross shops near you, or use the official store finder at redcross.org.uk/get-involved/charity-shops.
Is the British Red Cross the same as the International Red Cross?
The British Red Cross is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which operates in over 190 countries. The British Red Cross is an independent organisation with its own governance, funding, and programmes — but it works in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation (IFRC) on international humanitarian responses.
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