Cafe helps empower adults with learning difficulties

A training kitchen in Leicestershire is helping to empower people with learning difficulties by providing them with catering and customer service skills.

The Re-Mind programme at the Meadow Barn View skill centre, Whitwick, has a safe working environment for those living with visible and non-visible conditions after receiving a grant from the National Lottery.

It is hoped that after receiving training the service users will go on to volunteer or gain employment across the region.

“What they seem to take away more, apart from learning how to make brilliant dishes, is the confidence," said Alice Millin, training co-ordinator at Meadow Barn View.

"They are forming relationships with fellow students and the wider community."

Ms Millin said the programme is aimed at people who have likely finished education and are looking to move into employment, which the centre also helps with after the course.

“It’s that sense of well-being and people having self-worth, and knowing that they can do it", she said.

Meadow Barn View offers services for adults with learning disabilities and autism.

The programme involves students in the programme working in the centre's community cafe in a variety of roles, including front of house and in the kitchen.

Student Katie Williamson, 27, suffers from anxiety attacks and has already been offered work experience at the centre.

“I really hope that I will not be anxious around other people, and I’d like to develop my social skills."

She said the work experience had helped boost her confidence.

Jodi Marlow, 19, said that the community is particularly welcoming and creates an atmosphere which allows her to thrive.

“We always work with one another, so - if we are struggling to cut something - then we will help each other out,” she said.

“Doing this course, I want to feel more confidence in the kitchen and learn how to be more assured of myself.

“We made toasties earlier this week. I’ve never felt anything like this. It feels so good and rewarding.”

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