The South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Dr Alan Billings, have visited a social enterprise café at the Clifton Learning Partnership, along with the Rotherham Council Community Safety team.

The VRU has previously supported the Learning Partnership with funding, and the new social enterprise café has been set up and run by those who have previously taken part in VRU-funded initiatives.

During their visit, the VRU, PCC and Rotherham Community Safety team also visited the Learning Partnership’s social supermarket.

The supermarket allows members of the community to pay a £5 subscription fee, and then collect food and toiletries for their family on a weekly basis. The opening hours for the supermarket are 11:00-14:00 on Tuesday and Thursday.

Graham Jones, Head of the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit said: “Organisations like the Clifton Learning Partnership make a significant difference to their local community, providing a safe space for projects, meetings, events and community engagement.

“I’m pleased that the VRU was able to visit the new social enterprise Café, which is another example of the good work the Learning Partnership does.”

Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner said: “As Police and Crime Commissioner, I am always keen to get out and about across South Yorkshire, to meet with residents and organisations, listen to their concerns, and hear about the different projects taking place.

“I’m pleased that I was able to visit the Clifton Learning Partnership. The visit gave me an opportunity to chat to their staff and volunteers about the work they are doing, as well as sampling the new café and seeing the social supermarket they have set up to support local families.”