Roccoco Coffee Lounge and Bakery in Leyland welcomed Rob Wilson, Minister for Civil Society on Thursday 8th January 2015.
The Minister visited Roccoco to see the coffee lounge and bakery in action; followed by a roundtable discussion with leaders from voluntary and social enterprises in Lancashire.
Roccoco is a social enterprise run by the Brothers of Charity Services that supports adults with learning disabilities to participate in all aspects of the production and retail of food within the outlet.
During his visit, the Minister met with Darron Grundy, CEO of the Brothers of Charity Services in England and Heather Vickerman, the Regional Director of Services in Lancashire who introduced him to members of the team that work in Roccoco.
Jenifer Tumblety showed Mr. Wilson how to make the delicious shortbread biscuits that Roccoco serves with tea and coffee and Chris Lomas and Kieran O’Neil demonstrated how to make savory crackers. The Minister was even able to have a go at making the delicacies himself with the support of the people that work at Roccoco.
The Minister then joined the roundtable discussion, which took place in Roccoco’s Coffee Lounge, on the Local Social Economy this involved various people from organisations that have an interest in government policy relating to charities and social enterprise.
The Minister said:
“It is inspiring to see first hand one of the largest social enterprises in Lancashire right here in Leyland. Roccoco’s cafe is a fantastic place
helping to support local people with disabilities and mental health
difficulties to learn new skills and become part of the community.
“I also want to thank the members of Social Enterprise Lancashire Network,
who took time out of their busy days to meet with me and discuss
opportunities for growing social investment through national initiatives.
“With Cabinet Office support, we are connecting new ways of finance with
local social enterprises and charities, providing opportunities for them
to grow and thrive.”
The Brothers of Charity Services would like to thank the Minister and the wider participants for their much-valued support in joining together to highlight the excellent social enterprise work that the team at Roccoco in partnership with the Brothers of Charity Services have developed and delivered.
