One of our favourite projects in recent years has been working with the Whitegate Station Cafe. The Cafe was set up some years ago as a social enterprise by a group of locals including Gary. It has been taken into the heart of the Whitegate and Winsford communities who provide its staff and volunteers.
Post Covid the Cafe were looking for ideas about how to develop their services, and that's where ICD came in. As one of the many new ideas the Cafe staff had - they were keen to involve more disabled volunteers and provide opportunities for them to learn. Using Cindy's extensive knowledge of providing services for disabled people, and also her community connections, the idea of the Friday Team developed. Cindy was aware that many young disabled people struggle to learn in busy, noisy environments. The fact that the Cafe is closed on a Friday presented both an opportunity and a solution.....use the Cafe on Friday to allow students from local special schools to develop skills in a 'real' environment but without the challenges of an open cafe. At the same time, use the Friday to stock up on much needed cakes, soup, coleslaw, sausage rolls etc for the busy weekends.
Staff received disability awareness training from Cindy, while Gary secured funding for a pilot work placement scheme. A member of staff was identified and supported to lead the Friday Team to ensure that the students learned all aspects of the Cafe's work - everything from food hygiene and preparation, cleaning, marketing, checking fridge/freezer temperatures, food storage, stock rotation and of course cookery were planned. Cindy also liaised with two local special schools, and in September 2021 the first group of students started.
Despite a few flat victoria sponges to start with, the 16 students involved in the first year absolutely thrived, and so did the Cafe staff. Confidence and skills developed, and by the end of the year the students were producing an impressive amount and range of food for sale over the weekend. Customers were made aware of who had made the food they were buying, so showing what these students are capable of. Win-win!
The project lead did a lovely graduation ceremony at the end of the year, and in September 2022 the Cafe felt confident enough to 'go it alone' and welcome their second group of students. Thank you to Vivo Care Choices who provided the funding for the pilot which has made a huge difference in these student's lives.
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