News Centre

CCBC provides paid opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities

Posted on : 03 Mar 2023

CCBC provides paid opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities
CCBC Community Support Services opened Islwyn Park Coffee Shop, Pontllanfraith in May 2022 with the aim of offering paid and voluntary opportunities for Individuals with a Learning Disability.  
 
Over the past few months we have worked hard to develop a job description, supported Individuals and their families to meet with benefit advisors as well as working with HR to create a contract of employment.
 
Individuals who volunteered at the coffee shop all gained qualifications in Food Hygiene, Customer Service and Barista training and we are so pleased that 5 of those Individuals have become CCBC employees and are being paid to work at the Coffee shop which is an amazing achievement and a first for the Council. 
 
Some of the individuals who now work for the coffee shop have said how great it is to be paid and already have big plans for how they are going to spend their newly earned money.
 
Hayley John, Senior Community Service Officer said “We are so proud of them all for what they have achieved and so pleased that they have received their first pay from CCBC.  The sense of pride and self-worth that this has given individuals cannot be underestimated and is to be celebrated.  Relationships have been built up with customers, Individuals confidences have grown and they have become valued members of our staff team.”
 
Cllr. Elaine Forehead, cabinet member for social care added “I am so delighted that we are able to provide paid and voluntary opportunities for the Individuals we support at Islwyn Park Coffee Shop. The coffee shop is a wonderful resource and the Individuals make it the warm and friendly place it is. This paid and voluntary work is a testament to the passion and dedication that the Individuals and staff put in every day and I would encourage everyone to visit the coffee shop and meet the team.”
 
If you would like to visit Islwyn Park Coffee Shop you can find it on LLanarth road in Pontllanfraith, next to the skate park

Recent News
Media Enquiries