AN INNOVATIVE partnership between a charity aiming to get vulnerable adults into work and housing association for the elderly has been stirring up a flurry of excitement.

The charity Crumbs helps people with learning disabilities, or adults who have previously suffered from poor mental health or drug or alcohol addiction, learn new skills to prepare them for the workplace.

As part of a new pioneering project, it has teamed up with Sandbourne Housing Association, formally Bournemouth Housing Society for the Elderly, to provide residents with hot meals.

The scheme is being piloted at St Kilda’s in Southbourne following the renovation of the kitchen at the premises. The renovation was jointly funded by Crumbs and Sandbourne. The Gannett Foundation – the parent company of Newsquest, publishers of the Daily Echo – provided the charity with a grant to fund new equipment for the kitchen.

The mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Chris Mayne, officially cut the ribbon at a special opening ceremony on Thursday.

Anne Gardner, founder of CRUMBS, said: “There is strength in partnership. We have the opportunity to bring our graduates here and they enjoy working here. It gets their foot in the door. It gets them into different places to work and gives them the courage to look for work.”

The 83-year-old added: “I think it’s fantastic for Bournemouth and I’m really looking forward to this being a fantastic success, which I am sure it will be.”

Sonny Gannaway, who has a learning disability, completed two years as a trainee at Crumbs and has worked as an apprentice at the organisation for the past six months. The 23-year-old said he was looking forward to working at St Kilda’s.

Steve Hayes, CEO of Sandbourne, described the partnership as a “win-win” situation.

He said: “This is very much about trying to alleviate social isolation and getting the young to mix with the old.”

The mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Chris Mayne, said he was delighted to be asked to attend the opening ceremony.

He said: “This is something that will grow and grow. It’s a fantastic project and I’m sure it will be a huge success.”