A large group of people stands together outside a purple minibus branded “Shopping UnLtd,” parked in front of a store with a red sign reading Alliance. Several individuals wear purple vests, and the group is gathered near shopping trolleys in a car park. The scene is brightly lit, with clear skies and an industrial-style building in the background.

​A disability charity and one of the island’s supermarkets have launched a partnership to improve accessibility for disabled shoppers in Guernsey and keep people spending locally.

Shopping UnLtd and Alliance the Food Warehouse have teamed up to provide a specially-adapted purple bus to take disabled shoppers to the supermarket, giving them other options than shopping online.

Wednesday’s launch saw a number of disabled people, supporters and local politicians pry into the purple bus, to see how the service will function. 

The bus will transport people who find independent shopping difficult and has been funded by the Guernsey Community Foundation, Pargiter Trust and Co-op CI Trust.

The service is operated by trained volunteers who assist passengers and monitor their wellbeing, reporting any health concerns to relevant welfare services.

Disabled spending power

Economic Development member Deputy Lee Van Katwyck said the initiative highlights the significant spending power of disabled households, and ensures their revenue stays in Guernsey’s retail sector.

Deputy Van Katwyck said he welcomed the initiative as “an excellent example of the third sector and local businesses working together to create a better island for everyone”. 

He added: “Disabled people are consumers with significant spending power.

“Shopping UnLtd helps ensure that this spending remains local, strengthens Guernsey’s economy, and gives better access and inclusivity for all.”

Alliance staff have completed Disability Confidence Training to improve the service provided to customers with disabilities. A course which was recently demonstrated to 11 States Deputies.

  • The rear doors of a white-and-purple accessibility minibus are open, revealing the interior seating. A bright yellow wheelchair ramp extends down to the paved ground. Inside, multiple seats are arranged in rows, and a blue bag is placed near the entrance. Buildings and stone paving are visible behind the vehicle.
  • A purple accessibility minibus is parked on a paved street with its side door open. The vehicle has large front windows, a black side mirror, and a visible wheel at the front. The steps leading into the bus are extended. In the background, there are stone paving slabs and a few buildings, along with a person walking away from the scene.

Andrew Bagot, from Alliance the Food Warehouse, said: “We are proud to stand alongside Shopping Unltd in this partnership.

“We are committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing, and this project demonstrates how retail can play a vital role in creating a fairer, more accessible society.”

‘Accessibility should be standard’

For the charity, it’s clear the service will make a tangible difference to islanders.

Tim Feak, Development Manager, said: “Our ambition is for every supermarket to follow this example.”

Accessibility “should not be an exception – it should be the standard”, he added.

“Together, we can build a retail environment where inclusion is woven into every decision.”