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Community News

Helping youngsters into work, Oven gives cafe cakes a special flavour

apprenticeships or volunteering A new oven made possible by a With advice from catering
£1,000 donation from Nationwide professionals and a further donation
In 2012 Down’s Syndrome is making life easier for staff and from the Rotary Club charity ball a
Association UK launched WorkFit volunteers who run the popular combi oven has now improved both
designed to connect employers Olive Tree Cafe at Manor Garden working conditions and the quality
and young people and adults with Centre in Cheney Manor. of food offered.
Down’s syndrome, recognising that Manager Phyllida Richards, said: Phyllida added: “We get wonderful
a small percentage of people with “This grant from Nationwide’s customer feedback who say they
Down’s are in paid employment. community fund has made all the love the breakfasts we offer as well
Over the last 5 years, WorkFit difference. Before we had a small as the cakes. It’s great to pass such
has been finding meaningful baking oven and we were using it comments on in the kitchen.”
employment ranging from for everything – specials, baking, The cafe supports people
volunteering, supported WorkFit placement Stephanie Kyn- cooking our main menu through the recovering from mental illness or at
apprenticeships, work experience man with chef Shaun McKinnon day. risk of suffering mental illness by
and paid work. and Nationwide and I am looking “It meant lots of people were providing them with positive, work-
Jenny Williams became WorkFit forward to working with them. trying to do things in a small space related opportunities.
liaison officer for the Swindon “We’re grateful to the DeVere and we were not able to keep up Visit soon to enjoy the freshly
Down’s Syndrome Group in Village at Shaw Ridge where with customer orders - frustration made dishes. See details at:
February and has just completed a Stephanie has been working one all round.” www.theolivetreecafe.org.uk
six month training programme. She morning a week since July. She
said: “My interest in the role was as really enjoys the chance to work in
a result of my son being born with a busy kitchen environment and has
Down’s 17 years ago and society a very supportive team around her.
telling me to have low expectations “My role is to raise awareness
for his future. of a person’s ability to work with
“But I was determined to give employers, of their desire and
him every opportunity to succeed. willingness, to raise expectations
He has just completed his GCSEs in and create opportunities for those
a mainstream school and is about who don’t know what to do after
to begin 6th form. His long term completing education.”
ambition is to be a Butlins Redcoat, To find out more about WorkFit,
and why not. contact Jenny at: workfit@ Trying out the oven, from left, Olive Tree Cafe manager Phyllida Richards,
“In the first 6 months I have swindondownsgroup.org.uk or call: Nationwide Your Community team senior citizenship manager
established links with the Police 07889 687344. Chloe Keen, Justin Tomlinson MP and cafe worker Tracy Cox

Now Recruiting Homecare Support Workers

First City Nursing & Care, providing care and support to people in their own homes.

If you are looking for a career in care and have a passion for delivering a high quality service,
then apply to one of our current vacancies as a Homecare Support Worker

please call Debbie on 01793 612333

www.firstcitynursing.co.uk

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