Sheffield social enterprise to ‘curry on regardless’ amid coronavirus fears

Blend Kitchen - a social enterprise consisting of a cafe, bar and restaurant - provides training and employment opportunities to individuals who may have additional needs.

It has come up with a ‘curry on regardless’ scheme, which seeks to continue helping the people it supports, as well as other businesses like it, who may be suffering losses as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

This follows a briefing held yesterday in which Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged members of the public to avoid unnecessary social contact and to work from home where possible in a bid to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Chris Hanson, founder of Blend Kitchen, said: “The aim of the scheme is to expand our catering offer and address the current issues we and our suppliers are facing due to falling sales of customers walking through our door on Pinstone Street. If the mountain will not come to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain!”

Local businesses are being encouraged to sign up to the scheme and those that do will receive a freshly cooked curry at lunch time.

Employees will also get a discount on meals from this week, which will be delivered directly to their workplace.

The scheme is also aiming to help those who are either directly affected by or at high risk of contracting the virus.

Blend Kitchen plans to prepare and deliver an additional 20 meals a day, though this is to be reviewed weekly and amended in line with expert guidance.

It works to create a space where ‘inclusive, empathetic, non-stigmatising and non-threatening culture are the norm’ and is continuing to help all communities in the city.

For example, there are individuals working at Blend Kitchen who have additional educational needs – who may otherwise have found it difficult to secure training or employment opportunities elsewhere.

Profits from the scheme will go towards a new purpose built location on Ecclesall Road, where Blend Kitchen will be relocating to in late 2020.

To sign up to the scheme: call 07490 956517 or email [email protected]