Community Spirit operates in the West area of Doncaster, with the idea originating from youth and community work. The Community Shop is an integral part of Community Spirit, working both with centres where residents gather and in the streets where they live.

We have delivery vehicle, which carries customers orders and a range of stock items. Customers can shop at their leisure and we carry to the door. Whether coming on board for just a look around and a chat or to buy for taking away or delivery on order, we are happy to assist.

The provisions are obtained locally, putting money back into the community. The green grocery harks back to the old days of service. We specialise in catering for what the customer wants, with vegetables etc cut to size.

Our customers value their independence and being able to chose for themselves. Many are house-bound or have special needs. We like to greet our customers by name and share a few minutes of time together. There’s nothing like a smile to raise the spirits.

Christine Barrett standing in front on the Community Spirit community shop and the 2005 Conisbrough Christmas Market.

One of the projects currently being worked upon by Community Spirit is the restoration of the Place building. A lease with Doncaster Council in being signed and the hard work of fund raising and regenerating the building will begin. Current state of the building before work begins.

We have successfully applied for grants, which helps with the cost of running the shop. It means we can keep our prices reasonable, which is a worry many have about mobile shops.

As part of the local community forum we meet others from the West area of Doncaster. Through this, we have developed networks and know something of the problems of the community and the image of young people and the divide between the two.

Community Spirit is ‘Hereto Help’ and provide support for tasks that are beyond those we are here for, whilst giving back pride to both sides and go towards bridging the gap. Young people have a bad press but I know many young people willing to help others.

We are developing a project which both provides for diversionary activities for young people and provides a service, with their help, for their neighbourhood. The ‘business’ of Community Spirit is shared with the provision of work experience and training in office skills and assistance with marketing and publicity.

We have undertaken market research into potential beneficiaries and built trust relationships with those needing help. The young people are recruited from the area. The young people joining Community Spirit will be registered as volunteers and we have a Links 4 Youth scheme for the younger age group.

A motivated youth action group, which enjoys the respect of the community, will give young people their place in the community and raise the aspirations of those involved. The anti-social label put on youngsters will be dispelled when accreditation and awards are shown as proof of determination and spirit.