A SLICE
of the action Beresford Street Kitchen employs adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. CEO, Gabby Ellmers, tells us all about it
WHAT IS BERESFORD STREET KITCHEN?
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BSK is a social enterprise in Jersey that provides education, training and employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities and/ or autism. We want an inclusive workforce, where everyone can maximize their potential, get recognised for their skills and be regarded positively and with respect. We opened our flagship 80-seat café in St Helier in August 2017 with a crew of 16 people with learning disabilities and/or autism, and immediately had a waiting list. We opened a Catering Workshop above the cafe that October and in April 2018 a Print Workshop, where we produce branded garments, mugs, merchandise and uniforms. In December 2018 we took on a contract to run the canteen at Jersey Police HQ and we do catering
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for corporate and charity events, weddings and christenings – we even did a reception for Princess Anne! These events allow crew to demonstrate their skills to a wider audience. We currently have 50 crew.
WHERE DID THE IDEA COME FROM?
Only 5.1% of adults with a learning disability known to their local authority in England are in paid work. BSK was established in 2015 by a group of founding directors, all of whom shared a vision of creating a real working environment where people with learning disabilities and/ or autism could train and work.
HOW DO YOU TRAIN YOUR CREW?
When crew start at BSK they go on a 12-week Discover Programme, trying the BSK café, the Catering Workshop
and the Print Workshop on a fourweek rotation. They also attend a class each week to develop life skills. After this, they work with the training team to decide which area they are best suited to and start their next placement. Crew work alongside Training Mentors, who teach them things like barista skills, using tills, food safety and printing techniques.
WHAT IS YOUR IMPACT ON CREW MEMBERS?
After becoming a BSK crew member, 79% feel more valued, 82% have more friends, 50% have joined new social and sports clubs, and 100% think their job makes other people happy and feel supported and listened to by BSK staff. Overall, crew report a 21% increase in life satisfaction, and an average score higher than that of a non-disabled islander in Jersey. Everyone’s experience is as unique
BOOKINGS@CHARITABLE.TRAVEL / RESERVATIONS: 020 3092 1288
JULY/AUGUST 2022
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