A SOCIAL enterprise based in York has opened a new pop-up shop in the city where adults with learning difficulties can improve their skills for employment and independence.

The Blueberry Academy’s pop-up venture on Goodramgate opened last week.

‘Blueberry Pop Up Shop’ sells handmade items made by trainees and learners from The Blueberry Academy, stock from the Disabled Workers Co-operative and crafts from Brunswick Organic Nursery.

The academy, which provides specialist support for adults with learning difficulties, previously ran a shop on Silver Street in York, which it has closed and will use as a job shop. This will be specifically for people with learning difficulties and disabilities.

Angela Taylor, manager of the shop, said: “We closed that shop in order to move to become a pop-up.

“That is partly because we need the Silver Street premises for other services and also because the footfall is quite poor there.

“We wanted to see if we could get other premises that would have a better footfall.”

She added: “So far the new shop is going really well. We’ve had lots of people browsing and making purchases.”

The pop-up shop offers 21 retail training places for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities and additional needs, so they can further their skills for employment and independence.

It will be based on Goodramgate on a temporary basis for up to five months on a reduced rent from City of York Council, Angela added.

The academy plans to relocate the pop-up shop to various locations following the temporary stay in Goodramgate.

Angela said: “Local landlords are welcomed to contact us if they have an empty premises that would benefit from being occupied by a bright and vibrant enterprise.”

The Goodramgate shop is open from 10am to 3pm Mondays to Saturdays.

The main aims of the academy are to promote employability and independence through tailored learning programmes and accessing real opportunities in the community and workplace. Its guiding principle is ‘to prepare for a meaningful adult life, full of involvement and self-achievement’.

Its main site is The Melbourne Centre, on Escrick Street.