A new community shop has opened in Walton, offering heavily discounted food and household products to local residents.
The award-winning social enterprise, at 211 Walton Road, is part of the UK’s first social supermarket chain, working out of Onward Homes’ former office building.
Working in partnership with Liverpool City Council, local charities and organisations, Community Shop – L4 seeks to complement the work already being delivered in the area, as it helps generate further positive social and economic impact for those most in need.
Funding for the conversion works was provided by Onward, Ocado and Riverside Housing.
What is on offer?
Members have access to heavily discounted food and products, which have predominantly been donated by major retailers and manufacturers and may otherwise have gone to waste. Shoppers can expect to access items up to 70 per cent off the normal retail price, helping to stretch family budgets further.
Becoming a member
Membership of the new Community Shop – L4 is open to people who live locally, receive welfare support and are motivated to make a positive change to their lives. This includes customers of Onward Homes. To apply for membership Onward customers and the local community can call 0300 555 0600 or visit the Community Shop website.
Community Hub and other services
The revenue raised from the in-store sales will be invested in the Community Hub, where members can gain access to personal development support, with sessions including everything from cook clubs and home budgeting, to interview skills and business courses.
The store also houses a Community Kitchen, offering wholesome hot meals to members and their families.
Community Shop is a registered provider of the Government’s Free School Meal voucher scheme and will also offer an additional £15 voucher match to families who are eligible during the school holidays.
It has created up to 10 local jobs, with vacancies available in retail, hospitality and development roles.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “Not only does it help support people who are finding it tough and finding it hard to help ends meet, it actually helps and guides people back into work.”
Bronwen Rapley, Chief Executive, Onward Homes said: “We are delighted to build on our partnership with Community Shop and to support their work across the City region. Onward has been a part of the community in this part of North Liverpool for many years. Placing this building in the hands of Community Shop demonstrates our commitment to the area and supports our mission ‘to create a positive difference in the communities we serve’.”
Steph McGinty, Retail, People and Communities Director, Company Shop said:
“We are thrilled to be bringing our social enterprise to the heart of Liverpool, where we will be working closely with the various local organisations, charities, and community members to help make a real difference to the lives of individuals and families across the region.”
