It is illegal to discriminate against someone with a disability, yet many disabled people continue to face challenges in the workplace including finding and remaining in paid employment. This is especially true for adults over the age of twenty-five without an Education & Health Care Plan (EHCP) or government-supported internship opportunities. The UK employment rate for people with a disability of 54% still falls far behind the rate of 83% for non-disabled people*.
The Crumbs Project’s mission is to empower disadvantaged adults through Hospitality-based training and development, guiding them toward better employment prospects and more independent living. The charity works with employers across Dorset to find opportunities for trainees to work and gain the employment experience they need to be able to fully demonstrate their skills and potential.
Working with employers in Dorset including The Parks Foundation
Over the past 18 months since the start of 2023, The Crumbs Project’s trainees have collectively contributed over 5,000 employment hours to the Hospitality and Tourism industry in Dorset through work experience and work placements.
Strong links with Dorset-based employers and organisations, including Rick Stein Sandbanks Restaurant, Active Dorset, Care South, and Marsham Court Hotel, ensure trainees gain valuable work experience and employment opportunities.
Working closely with fellow Dorset charity The Parks Foundation, The Crumbs Project trainees provide vital staff resources for three of the Foundation’s community cafes at Redhill Park, Winton Recreation Park, and Alexandra Park.
At the Redhill Park café, current and former trainees from The Crumbs Project make up around a quarter of the volunteers the café needs to open to the public 7 days a week. Volunteers prepare and serve beverages and snacks, clean tables, tidy the kitchen, and help with food preparation.
Rachelle Lawley, Redhill Park Café Manager, spoke about the difference trainees from The Crumbs Project make to the café;
“Volunteers make a world of difference. They are the heart of the community. If we didn’t have them, we wouldn’t be able to operate the café or invest in the park and green spaces for everyone to enjoy.
The volunteers coming from Crumbs have a head start as they’re already aware of what the café needs. They have food knowledge, know about correct hygiene practices and protocols, and have experience preparing and serving food and drinks to customers.
What I want to do is show the volunteers there is a place for them. I give the guys the time and patience they need to train and understand them. This is what employers need to do. I actively encourage volunteers to talk to customers and give them verbal cues to help them. As their confidence grows their abilities grow. They get the experience here and then feel able to move on and seek paid employment.”
Rachelle Lawley, The Parks Foundation – Redhill Park Cafe Manager
Carole Carter, Manager of The Parks Foundation’s thriving Winton Recreation Ground Café, where current and former trainees from The Crumbs Project make up over a third of the workforce, spoke about the importance of seeing the abilities of disadvantaged adults.
“Working at the café provides volunteers with the experience of being in a workplace and the opportunity to demonstrate their timekeeping, reliability, ability to take instructions, and provide great customer service. Volunteers from The Crumbs Project have a good grounding in what the hospitality industry is about and how to work with other people.
Employers need to be aware some people need more support, time, and opportunity to learn about the workplace and prove their abilities. I take the time to listen to what the volunteers are saying, to understand them, and to ensure they feel safe and comfortable. By creating a community and involving the volunteers in the running of the café we’re creating an environment which is more inclusive and accepting of others but most of all we’re able to give people a chance and an opportunity to thrive.”
Carole Carter, The Parks Foundation – Winton Cafe Manager
The Parks Foundation is an independent charity working to raise much needed funds for improvement and enhancements to parks and green spaces across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole for everyone to enjoy.
To learn more about The Parks Foundation visit: https://parksfoundation.org.uk/
Social Hub