Pontrilas Village Store and P.O. is operated by a Social Enterprise’ C.A.R.E. (Herefordshire) CIC. And was recently awarded ‘Herefordshire Council Community Champions’ in 2017 for their innovative community centred approaches in health and wellbeing. As Award winning social enterprise their social objectives are focused on helping to redress ‘rural social isolation’ in the rural communities of the Golden Valley (South) Ward, Herefordshire.
Their business model is a unique example of what is possible for a village store to achieve; their strong sense of community is an excellent model for other to follow.
Since opening in 2015, they have become a vital link for older community residents to continue ‘living independently’ their own homes. Every aspect of this business is about supporting community life, either through their ‘village-link’ services which provide a transport facility, enabling residents who are without transport to attend village GP appointments – coupled with a ‘prescription collection and delivery’ service. Community services also extend to providing social inclusion activities such as weekly lunch clubs and by hosting intergenerational community events and workshops throughout the year.
“Since saving their local post office from closure in 2015, our Champions have turned this business into something exceptional that goes beyond just a Post Office and represents a unique model for others”.
Sarah Lee, Awards Manager, Countryside Alliance
