We are pleased to announce the opening of our newest charity shop, located on Plymouth’s historic Barbican. The doors officially opened on Monday 13 July, and received a warm welcome from local residents, businesses, and visitors eager to support eco-friendly shopping while helping create opportunities for autistic people and people with learning disabilities.
The new Plymouth charity shop is Brandon Trust’s eighth retail location and sits alongside our creative ceramics studio, ClayArt, where visitors can paint their own pottery and get involved with a thriving social enterprise.
Sharon, who is supported by Brandon in Plymouth, proudly cut the ribbon at the official opening ceremony.
Sustainability with purpose
The new Barbican shop continues to build on our commitment to sustainability, with eco-friendly fixtures, recycled bags, and thoughtful design choices that help reduce environmental impact. We have one mission that truly sets us apart: to be more than a charity shop.
Across the Brandon charity shops and social enterprises, we proudly employ autistic people and people with learning disabilities. Meaningful work helps people to build confidence, learn new skills, and thrive in supportive, inclusive environments.
With our second retail location in Plymouth, we’re ready to deepen our connection with the local community and expand our impact. Joining our other shops in Falmouth, Bristol, and Chipping Sodbury, the new shop will create even more chances for people to get involved, learn, build skills, and feel part of something.
Community impact in action
Following the shop opening, Tracy, Brandon’s Chief Business Development, Enterprise, and Partnerships Officer, shared her thoughts on the day and what new ventures mean for the future of inclusive employment and community connection.
“I came away with a real sense of excitement after the grand opening of our newest Brandon Trust sustainable fashion store on the Barbican in Plymouth, right next door to our ClayArt social enterprise.
“What struck me most wasn’t just the two fantastic spaces themselves, but the buzz from the local community. Neighbours, local businesses, and visitors were popping in, chatting, welcoming us to the area, and sharing how pleased they were to see the shop and ClayArt together. You could already feel them becoming part of the fabric of the Barbican.
“For me, that’s what real impact looks like. These aren’t simply places to shop or get creative with beautiful ceramics. They create opportunities for the people we support to develop skills, build confidence, find meaningful employment and become active, valued members of their local community.
“Every donation, every purchase, and every conversation helps make that possible. Seeing the warm welcome we’ve received today reminded me that when communities embrace inclusion, everybody benefits.
“I’m incredibly proud of what the team has created, and I can’t wait to see these enterprises flourish together.”
Building a space where people can thrive
This achievement reflects the passion and commitment of teams from across Brandon. Their work has created far more than a retail space – they’ve built a place where people can learn new skills, grow in confidence, and connect with their community.
This vision is already being embraced by the people who live and work on the Barbican, and we look forward to building lasting relationships with the local community.
