A pioneering new venture, the first social enterprise of its kind to run a catering scheme providing a restaurant service for tenants in a Caerphilly sheltered accommodation facility, has been unveiled.
Vision 21, a charity that offers people with a disability the opportunity to undertake vocational training with a view to employment, has established the social enterprise at the Plas Hyfryd Housing With Care Scheme in Caerphilly as part of the ‘Full Circle’ project, and is working in partnership with Caerphilly County Borough Council and United Welsh Housing Association.
Barry Shiers MBE, the founder of Vision 21 said, “The restaurant will be the hub of the community here and we are delighted to be able to provide this service. Where possible we will be using locally sourced products and providing homemade specials”.
He continued, “As a community enterprise, our catering team will also be giving employment opportunities for people with learning needs who have reached a certain level of proficiency”.
Steve Cranston from United Welsh Housing Association said, “Our recently completed scheme at Plas Hyfryd supports independent living for older people, and we have planned the restaurant to be a focal point for our tenants and their guests”.
He continued, “The restaurant area has been designed to be filled with natural light to create a warm and welcoming environment for our tenants.”
Cllr Ron Davies, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning said, “Vision 21 have established a reputation for sound vocational training in a supportive environment and I wish their new social enterprise every success for the future. I am sure that the new restaurant will be at the heart of the Plas Hyfryd community”.
“We at Caerphilly County Borough Council are delighted to be involved in United Welsh Housing Association’s Plas Hyfryd scheme, which ensures that older people continue to live independently and, through the new social enterprise, will also be able to enjoy good food”, he added.
For further information on Vision 21 or about how to refer a student for catering training to the ‘Full Circle’ catering project, please visit www.vision-twentyone.com
For further information on the Plas Hyfryd Housing With Care Scheme, please visit www.uwha.co.uk
