The Post Office has just officially opened its second Post Office Plus concept store, bringing a new community hub model to Barnsley that will provide local people with access to trusted advice and support services alongside their usual Post Office services.
The new Barnsley branch, at 4 Pitt Street, was officially opened on Thursday (20 August) by Dan Jarvis MP, and follows the successful launch of the first Post Office Plus store at Derby City Post Office in July.
Barnsley Post Office was selected as the second Post Office Plus location due to its “prominent position on a busy high street, strong customer footfall and the space available to accommodate a dedicated consultation room as part of the branch refurbishment,” Post Office said.
Post Office Plus has been created in response to growing demand for in-person support during important life moments. “While many people now turn to online sources for information and advice, consumers increasingly report feeling overwhelmed by the volume of information available and unsure who to trust,” it added.
Branches transformed
Through Post Office Plus, selected branches are being transformed into multi-service community hubs, providing space for specialist partners to deliver practical support and guidance on dedicated days throughout the week.
New research from Post Office found that more than half of people (53%) would be likely to use digital skills training if it were available in-person in their local area, while around half would use energy switching services (49%) and will-writing guidance (49%).
Jarvis, MP for Barnsley North, said: “Post Offices have long been at the heart of our communities, providing trusted, face-to-face support that people value. Post Office Plus builds on that strength, bringing a wider range of services together under one roof and creating greater convenience for local people.
“This Government is determined to help the Post Office thrive in the years ahead. Backed by £500m of investment, we’re supporting its modernisation while ensuring it continues to play a central role in communities and high streets across the country.”
Supporting people through life’s important moments, Post Office Plus’ founding partners include Utility Warehouse, Octopus Legacy and the Good Things Foundation, sponsored by Amazon Web Services.
Over time, services at each Post Office Plus location will be shaped by local community needs, with different partners available at set times throughout the week.
Face-to-face
Daniel Rogers, head of financial services innovation at Post Office, added: “In an increasingly digital world, people still value the reassurance that comes from speaking to someone face-to-face, especially when making decisions that matter most to them and their families.
“Post Office Plus builds on the trust that communities have placed in their local post office for generations, creating a destination where customers can access a range of specialist services under one roof.”
The Post Office plans to open additional Post Office Plus locations across the UK this year, with ambitions to expand the concept further in the years ahead.
Tan Musa, Postmaster, Barnsley Post Office concluded: “Customers regularly tell us they value the opportunity to speak to someone face-to-face, ask questions and get the reassurance that comes from personal support, particularly when making important decisions.
“Post Office Plus gives us an exciting new way to meet those needs, bringing more services into the heart of the community and demonstrating how local post offices can continue to evolve and play an even greater role on the high street.”
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