Ambitious plans to open a new community cafe and a hairdressers on the Cardinal Estate have been boosted by an unexpected source – Channel 4’s The Secret Millionaire TV programme.
Community campaigner Yvonne Crowther, who helps run the White Rose Residents Association, is looking to luanch two new social enterprises – the Me ’n’ U community cafe on Cardinal Road in June/July and a hairdressing salon at the youth club later in the summer.
Yvonne has exclusively revealed to South Leeds Life that the initiatives have benefitted from the major cash boost after the estate featured on the Secret Millionaire programme, which is due to be broadcast next Monday, May 14, at 9pm.
Yvonne, 55, is under strict orders from TV bosses to remain tightlipped about the how much money the enterprises received until after broadcast but is urging everyone to tune in to find out more!
She can, however, tell us more about the ambitious plans for the estate:
“With the cafe we’re aiming to offer training, qualifications and part-time jobs to local youngsters. Work will include catering, book-keeping and running a business. I hope it’ll give young people the confidence, qualifications and social skills to look for work.
“We are hoping that people who are on their own and don’t even cook for themselves will come out for a decent meal at a decent price.
“With the new salon at the youth club we’re going to be doing exactly the same thing – it’s all about training and qualifications and getting people onto the job market. It’s going to be a very busy few months.”
Yvonne, who will be carrying the Olympic Torch through Potternewton along with Cottingley’s Vikki Blake next month, says funding has also come from Cash Leeds.
She also says there are plans for a Queens Jubilee celebration on the estate on June 5 and also to improve the run-down area behind the bus shelter on the estate. “We’re going to try and fill it with marigolds for the olympics,” Yvonne added.
