Group: Social Link
Project: OpportuniTEA café
Grant: £10,000
Fund: General
Adults with learning disabilities in Buckinghamshire have limited opportunities to gain real-life work experience with appropriate support. Many have personal goals for the future and strive for independence and meaningful work, but are at risk without a dedicated service provision upon leaving full-time education.
Social Link launched the OpportuniTEA Café, a community not-for-profit café, to present clear pathways for young adults with learning disabilities to achieve their career aspirations. This provides a much-needed resource for both people with learning disabilities as well as residents and visitors of the area.
A grant from the Heart of Bucks General Fund has enabled the employment of a Café Supervisor to manage the day to day running of the café, and a Placement Coach to work alongside trainees and guide them on their learning journey. This provides support for trainees to progress on their path to becoming ‘work-ready’. The training includes hospitality and food hygiene, equipping them with the skills, real-life experience and confidence to take the next step in their career and potentially secure paid employment. The OpportuniTEA Café offers a space for them to showcase their new abilities and celebrate their achievements.
As well as supporting the trainees, the OpportuniTEA Café is beneficial to customers and members in the other Social Link services, the majority of whom have a learning disability. Coming to the café provides a safe space for them to visit and interact with others. It also supports both volunteers and paid staff who come together and utilise their strengths to make the café a success.
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