THE COMMUNITY enterprise scheme behind Ilkley's Outside the Box cafe has acquired local domiciliary care agency Carers & Companions.

Ilkley Community Enterprise says it plans to broaden the services offered by the Skipton Road-based company, to include providing care for adults with a learning disability who require support to either live at home or in an independent and supported living environment.

Ilkley Community Enterprise was set up in 2012 to run Outside the Box community cafe, which is staffed by adults and young people with a learning disability.

Following the acquisition of the care agency, Ilkley Community Enterprise will be providing regular care and support to more than 100 local residents, mainly older people, to enable them to continue to live at home and maintain their freedom and independence.

Ilkley Community Enterprise chairman, Graham Smith, said: “We are delighted to welcome Cares & Companions into our charity.

"Not only will this exciting development ensure the continuing local delivery of high quality care to the elderly residents of Ilkley, it also offers the opportunity for new services be offered to a wider range of local people."

Carers & Companions was founded in 2003 by Penny Clark, who with the existing management team, will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day running of the agency.

The company is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Penny said: "I am delighted Carers & Companions has been acquired by such a forward-thinking charity as Ilkley Community Enterprise.

"The fact they have made such a success of Outside The Box, which I was delighted to see recently won the Ilkley Hospitality Business of the Year, gives me comfort the company I founded will be in safe hands going forward and will continue to provide a first class care service to all our clients.

"I am also confident that as part of Ilkley Community Enterprise, it will continue to grow and prosper for the benefit of everyone associated with the organisation."

The charity says it plans to broaden services, in due course, for adults with a learning disability.

Outside the Box occupies premises nearby on the corner of Bridge Lane.

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