Cafe run by adults with learning disability praised
A national charity for people with learning disabilities said a cafe that gives vulnerable adults real life experiences was "brilliant" preparation for work or volunteering opportunities.
Spectrum Northants supports adults with learning disabilities, mental health issues and autism.
Through its cafe in Duston, Northampton, it is teaching retail and customer service skills.
Jackie O'Sullivan from the charity Mencap said there needed to be more experiences like the cafe "because we know that people with a learning disability really want to work [but] so very few do".
Official figures put the employment rate for those with learning disabilities at 5% and Ms O'Sullivan said 85% of those with without a job "want one".
"They just need to find the right pathways into work and [the cafe] is a brilliant way to get people job skills and life skills that can really benefit them in future employment," she said.
Spectrum Northants has two centres in Northampton and works with more 90 adults with special needs and disabilities.
Since 2017 it has run a charity shop to give its service users retail experience, and ran a pop-up cafe in 2023.
In March it opened the cafe on its Berrywood Road site.
Spectrum chief executive Mark Mitchell said through the cafe they "get to build their confidence and their important building blocks for actually progressing and getting the best quality of life".
He said: "We have a number of individuals who would like to progress, be that into other learning, into volunteering or employment and the venue like this builds their skills.
"They get to meet members of the public, engage with members of the public.
"They get to build their confidence and their important building blocks for actually progressing and getting the best quality of life."
Victoria is one of those who works in the cafe and she "likes coming here".
She said: "I like working on the till and meeting all the customers... making the drinks and just meeting everyone and seeing everyone.
"I love working in a cafe."
She said the work had given her the "independence to speak to people and I've built up my confidence".
Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Special needs college to teach at heritage site
Learning disability charity gets £140,000 grant
Spectrum Northants
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
an hour ago
- Time Business News
How Wholesale Marketplaces Are Combating Unemployment in the UK
In the heart of the UK's post-pandemic recovery, wholesale marketplaces are emerging as unsung heroes in the fight against unemployment. As traditional retail struggles and automation disrupts job sectors, B2B platforms are quietly opening new doors for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and even first-time sellers looking to generate income in uncertain times. The digital transformation of wholesale trade has done more than just streamline bulk purchasing — it has given rise to a decentralized economy that empowers individuals and SMEs alike. Marketplaces such as , based in Manchester, are helping thousands to set up businesses from home, bypassing high street costs, and reaching niche markets with low-risk investment. New Job Avenues for a New Economy Unlike traditional employment, wholesale platforms offer a pathway to self-employment and business creation. Many unemployed individuals, particularly those in hard-hit industries like retail, hospitality, and travel, are turning to these online ecosystems to build income streams. Whether it's reselling fancy dress costumes, kidswear wholesale, or trending home decor items, these platforms are offering real economic lifelines. 'People think of wholesale as something for large chains, but it's become incredibly accessible,' says Adeel Mahmood, Founder of . 'We've seen a sharp rise in individuals starting resale businesses with just a few hundred pounds. It's giving people not only work but a sense of independence.' Micro-Enterprises on the Rise With tools that support small bulk orders, multi-channel integration, and fast UK-wide shipping, modern wholesale marketplaces remove the barriers that once locked newcomers out of the business world. As a result, micro-enterprises — often sole traders or home-based resellers — are flourishing. This isn't just a trend. According to a 2024 report by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the UK saw a 17% increase in self-employed traders under 35, many of whom cited access to affordable wholesale stock as a key enabler. Levelling the Playing Field One of the standout features of online wholesale marketplaces is the democratization of opportunity. Suppliers from across the UK — particularly in regions historically affected by industrial decline — are now connecting with buyers nationwide. In turn, these suppliers are hiring locally to manage warehousing, fulfilment, and logistics operations, quietly creating jobs in communities often overlooked by big tech or corporate expansion. From Unemployment to Empowerment In cities like Birmingham, Leeds, and Liverpool, there's growing anecdotal evidence of laid-off workers re-entering the economy as online resellers. For many, the transition begins with wholesale platforms that offer everything from boys' clothes and fashion accessories to mobile gadgets and home decor in bulk. The low entry cost and flexible nature of the work allow individuals to pivot quickly — with some going on to build registered businesses employing others. Looking Ahead As the UK navigates its economic future, wholesale marketplaces stand out not just as commercial hubs but as catalysts for grassroots economic renewal. Their impact on unemployment may not dominate headlines, but for thousands of individuals, these platforms represent a practical, empowering step toward recovery. At a time when innovation and inclusivity are more critical than ever, wholesale is proving it's not just about large orders — it's about big opportunity. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Wall Street Journal
an hour ago
- Wall Street Journal
Halma Adjusted Pretax Profit, Revenue Increase Beat Views
Halma HLMA 3.77%increase; green up pointing triangle posted a better-than-expected rise in adjusted pretax profit and revenue for fiscal 2025. The U.K. engineering group on Thursday said for the year ended March 31 adjusted pretax profit for rose 16% to 459.4 million pounds ($622.3 million), on revenue that grew 11% to 2.25 billion pounds.
Bloomberg
an hour ago
- Bloomberg
NatWest Shifts Wealth Operations From Switzerland to Cut Costs
NatWest Group Plc has begun shifting wealth management operations from Switzerland to the UK as Chief Executive Officer Paul Thwaite has sought to whittle away costs across the lender. The firm has also begun moving other roles to lower cost locations like India, Thwaite said Thursday at an investor conference hosted by Goldman Sachs Group Inc. NatWest remains confident it will be able to keep a lid on expenses this year, even as wage inflation drives costs up, he said.
