You read that right! We at Your Village Shop are proud to say that our founders and owners, Lucy and Richard Smith, have had the honour of being nominated for the BBC Radio Bristol Make a Difference Awards – which is a chance to truly celebrate those who go out of their way to make a difference. More specifically, they have been nominated for the Together award, which can be awarded to those who ‘create real change by breaking down barriers and bringing people together from different walks of life’.

Set up in the Stoke Gifford Retirement Village – a neighbourhood for the over 55s set up by ExtraCare with a philosophy for doing more, not less, in later life – Your Village Shop is a unique independent shop that serves our local community in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. As such, community is important to us and as a result we believe that shopping should be accessible to everyone.

Our staff members pride themselves on the support and customer service provided to shoppers who may need a little extra help shopping independently. Since opening in March 2020 we have successfully gained the support of the community due to our dementia, autism, and neurodiversity-friendly shop, and we have achieved our dream of creating an inclusive environment for all.

So, if you or someone you know struggles with day-to-day shopping, then why not give us a try? We’re confident that your experience here will be one you won’t forget, for all good reasons, that is. With simple products everyone needs, such as groceries and local produce, you’ll be satisfied with every shop. Not only that, but we also stock a wide range of unique gifts for everyone, namely locally produced honey and gin, as well as West Country art. And if you’re feeling peckish, why not try the fresh sandwiches and bakery produce? All you’ve got to do is go to Stoke Gifford Retirement Village, BS16 1YF, and give us a go. You won’t be disappointed, that’s a guarantee!

We’re doing our very best to eliminate obstacles, so you’ll always feel welcome. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or who you are, we’re happy to serve you. If that’s not enough to convince you, think back to the award! That’s proof enough that we are endeavouring to give all our customers the best experience we can while simultaneously bringing the community closer together. 

With hundreds of nominations over eight different categories that had to be narrowed down to four for each, we’re so proud of Lucy and Richard, and we hope you can share our excitement for the special awards ceremony that will take place September 30th at the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare. We’d appreciate every bit of support you send our way!

The next time you need to do your daily shop and are feeling anxious about the struggles you may face, think back to us because we’re not just any shop, we’re Your Village Shop.