Café staffed by people with Down’s syndrome launches in Leeds after successful trial

'The young people here have thrived'

(Dan Rowlands / SWNS.com)

A café staffed by people with Down’s syndrome has launched in Headingley, Leeds following a successful trial period in March 2018.

Café 21 opened on 12 January and was created by the charity Sunshine & Smiles in a bid to help young people with the genetic condition get work experience and training that will boost their career prospects.

National statistics show that just 17 per cent of all adults with a learning disability are in paid employment.

Ailith Harley-Roberts, service manager at the charity, said the café will be open from Thursday to Sunday for at least six months and has been a roaring success thus far.

“The young people here have thrived.

Workers are aged between 18 and 24 (SWNS)

“When we had the trial, it was just for a week and it felt like such a shame to have to close the doors.

“Since then, the charity have sought funding to re-open and I think it is brilliant we have now been able to launch.”

The 47-year-old explained that workers will be able to add health and safety training among other transferable skills to their CVs, which will help boost their career prospects.

“I have spoken to one parent who said their son has been setting his alarm each morning and can’t wait to come into work.

“That is what it is all about,” she added.

Every member of staff has a different set of responsibilities depending on their preferences.

Sunshine & Smiles aims to improve the lives and opportunities for children and young people with Down's syndrome (SWNS)

“Some want to be customer-facing, others love doing stock taking or working in the back,” Harley-Roberts said.

“There is so much involved, they are learning a lot about customer service.”

Workers are paid the national living wage and must be aged between 18 and 24.

For more information on Sunshine & Smiles and how you can donate to the charity, click here.