Serving up a helping of confidence
A NEW HOME FOR A CAFE MEANS MORE YOUNG PEOPLE CAN GAIN SKILLS AND CONFIDENCE,AS SIMON MEECHAN EXPLAINS
IT’S been four years since Cafe Beam opened in Gosforth with the aim of providing work experience and training opportunities for young people with disabilities.
It’s fair to say the charity cafe has been a big hit, with loyal customers returning and confidence surging through the inspiring youngsters who serve up drinks and treats.
Cafe Beam has been so successful that its old home in Ashburton Road became too small, which sparked a search for a new premises.
The search was a success. Cafe Beam has reopened in its new, bigger location inside the Old Fire Station in Gosforth High Street.
The cafe – operated by the Smile for Life charity – was relaunched on Saturday.
Smile For Life executive Paula Gascoigne was joined by the volunteers, regulars, well-wishers and top chef Kenny Atkinson at the opening party.
Paula told The Chronicle the charity was keen to keep the cafe in Gosforth, as the community has provided “wonderful support” over the past four years, while the Old Fire Station is centrally located, has character and - crucially is much bigger.
“We’re able to treble the amount of people who can have work placements,” Paula said.
“It’s means we can be more diverse, too. We can provide placements in catering, food preparation and now a garden maintenance placement as well.”
The new premises has allowed the cafe to launch another new role too.
The charismatic young volunteers with the most experience rise to the
ranks of cafe host, and are tasked with greeting customers warmly as they walk in.
Another aim is to encourage other businesses to take on staff with disabilities.
Paula said: “We want local businesses to open doors, offer work placements and provide more support to young people with disabilities, by raising awareness about the skills and personalities these young people bring to the work place.” Alan Donnelly, from Gateshead, is a regular customer and friend of the cafe. Watching the young people gain skills and thrive in a working environment has made him a frequent visitor who calls in twice a month.
“You can see how newcomers, through things like serving coffee, and working the till, over a period of months get confidence to do it without guidance. You can really see how the experience that they get develops them. It’s what keeps me coming back.”