A NEW charity shop in Thornbury is due to open its doors next week. 

Sight Support West of England has announced it is opening its first ever shop in Thornbury High Street on Thursday, July 27.

The organisation is the region's only charity that provides services to help people with significant vision loss in remaining active and independent.

It also plans to open a new support resource centre on the first floor above the charity shop later this year in September, after a stairlift has been installed.

The centre, once it is open, will have technology and equipment for client appointments and drop-in consultations. 

In addition, there will be lighting, magnification tools, kitchen equipment, reading aids, and expert advice.

The shop has been completely transformed from a disused empty unit into a new space that prioritises accessibility.

Its shop floor has been designed with wide pathways and spacing, high contrast colours for the till area and doorframes, and an accessible till system for visually impaired volunteers.

The charity gives support and advice to people and their families across South Gloucestershire as well as Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset. 

CEO of Sight Support, Mike Silvey, said: “We are very excited to be opening our new premises, which will provide a base for local services in South Gloucestershire, enabling us to provide more local, accessible services for people struggling with sight loss.  

“We are excited about our first Sight Support shop and are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped make this happen – our supporters, our volunteers and those who have generously donated such high-quality stock.  

“As a small local charity, we rely on members of our community supporting us, and they really have done us proud.”

Gazette Series: An artist's impression of the new charity shop in Thornbury High Street An artist's impression of the new charity shop in Thornbury High Street (Image: Sight Support West of England)

A spokesperson said: “Currently over 53,000 people in the West of England are living with significant sight loss. 

“Sight loss has practical and emotional consequences. 

“It can restrict social and personal interaction, leading to isolation whilst removing a person’s independence as they have to rely on others for simple tasks. 

“It can be dangerous and scary.

“We exist to make sure people don’t just survive but thrive after sight loss.”

“Whether someone is newly diagnosed with sight loss, or wondering about new advances that are available, Sight Support can help.”

Anyone wishing to make an appointment with their local community sight loss advisor, Charlie, can call on 0117 322 4885.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the Sight Support office or stop by the shop to speak with the shop staff.