Harrogate-based charity *The Avalon Group* has partnered with Housing 21, North Yorkshire County Council and Richmondshire District Council to open a social enterprise at *Greyfriars* ““ the new extra care housing scheme for older people, in Richmond. The social enterprise is a restaurant called The Franciscan at Greyfriars and, following its launch on 31 October, it is now open to both residents and the public.
A guest at the launch event, President of Richmond Rotary Club, Allan Reed (pictured here on the right), noted: “I think it is excellent work that The Avalon Group is doing. It is a good local facility and it is great that local people can come in and mix with those who live here in the care home. This is great for the local community.”
Tony Duff, Richmondshire District Councillor said: “A good show. It is an excellent set-up because anyone can come in here to eat.”
Building on an award-winning portfolio that includes gardening services, painting & decorating services and a vintage shop and tea room, The Avalon Group’s latest project is the first social enterprise of its kind to be based within an extra care housing development in North Yorkshire. It will provide a high quality experience for use by both Greyfriars’ residents and local people, fully involving the community in its services and menu and, where possible, sourcing all food produce locally. It will also generate up to 10 jobs, plus volunteer opportunities.
The Avalon Group’s Innovations Director, Keith Wyatt, reflected: “It was wonderful to see so many dignitaries at the launch of our restaurant. We believe strongly in the value of our new social enterprise, as well as our exciting new partnership with Housing 21 and North Yorkshire County Council, and are honoured by the heart-warming welcome that we have received from the local community in Richmond.”
Clare Hemming, Development Programme Manager for Housing 21, commented: “The restaurant service is crucial to the success of our extra care schemes and we are very much looking forward to the excellent service which will be provided by The Avalon Group at Greyfriars for our residents and the community at large.”
Located at Flints Terrace, in Richmond, North Yorkshire (DL10 4DQ), Greyfriars is the result of Housing 21’s collaboration with North Yorkshire County Council and Richmondshire District Council. The scheme provides 39 two-bedroom apartments for older people with diverse support requirements. The restaurant and on-site care staff are important parts of the facilities.