We’re delighted to be supporting Bishopwearmouth Co-operative with funding from the North East Social Investment Fund that will enable them to open a new tea room later in the year.

The Cooperative, based on Chester Road, Sunderland provides employment opportunities for adults with disabilities, and already runs a garden centre and landscaping and floristry services. As part of the expansion of the Community Interest Company they bought the lodge house next door to the garden centre to convert into a tea room

Shaun Donnelly, Service Manager, Sunderland Council, said, “Now that we have the loan we can plan ahead, and we are looking forward to the tea room opening in October and adding catering to the range of job opportunities to adults with disabilities.

“This year has been difficult as we closed the Garden Centre and services for eight weeks due to the pandemic, however since we have reopened the Garden Centre has been exceptionally busy. As we expand into catering we will be looking to recruit six members of staff to form our catering team as well as 10 disabled members of staff who would like an opportunity in catering.

“Being able to provide these opportunities is a way of giving back to the community and we’re very proud to be able to provide the service we do.”