Jonathan Leach discovers that Derby’s Welcome Café is anything but your typical eatery
Derby College Group, which aims to create world class, accessible education opportunities that enrich lives and make bright futures a reality for all, runs the popular Welcome Café in Derby.
However, this is no ordinary café. That’s because it also provides an array of training opportunities for people with special educational needs and disabilities and is run by students from the college’s Pathway to Independence course.
And now, due to its continuing success, it will now be opening four days a week.
And its success continues having been awarded a coveted five-star hygiene rating, which reflects the care and attention that is put into how the café is run.
Sarah-Jane Walsh, an advanced level teaching assistant for Derby College, leads the Welcome Café along with members of Derby College’s Inclusion team.
‘We are delighted that the café is going from strength to strength and that we can now offer our service to the public for longer,’ says Sarah-Jane.
‘It really is such a great environment and, importantly, we get to see our fantastic students flourish. Here, they have the opportunity to learn many important life skills, including communication and customer service. Other skills learned include, but are not limited to, time and money management and as well as practical skills such as food hygiene and food preparation.’
Indeed, while customer satisfaction is clearly important, Sarah-Jane believes that it is the huge and positive effect the Welcome Café continues to have on the many students involved that provides the greatest reward.
‘I love seeing students succeed and to see them fulfil their dreams,’ she adds.
‘Week in and week out, we see so many achievements for our students. It could be that, previously, a student didn’t have the confidence to speak to people, but now is able to take meal orders and engage with them.
‘For example, one of our students, Tyler, was very reserved before getting involved but now not only supports the Welcome Café, but also volunteers at a local lunch club and at Darley Lodge in Shipley Park.’
Phoebe, another student involved at the café, is another fantastic example of the café’s ongoing success.
When she started helping in the café she too was very reserved. Yet now, not only does she continue her role at the café, but she is also a learning support worker for Derby College, supporting other students as part of the Inclusion team.
‘I wouldn’t have believed where I would be now from four years ago,’ admits Phoebe.
‘My confidence has increased so much and I am now able to multi-task. And it is also great to be working with such a supportive team.’
The café has been running for five years and offers support in a number of ways, including work placements and a pathway to independence, whilst it also gives options for learners who are over the age of 25.
Not only this, but the Welcome Café also offers parents and carers the rare opportunity to see their children learn and develop beyond the classroom and in a real work environment.
The Welcome Café is situated on Mill Street in Derby and is housed in part of St John’s Church.
It is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 10.30am and 2.30pm where it serves delicious fresh food at very reasonable prices.
So if you want good food in a friendly, relaxed environment, you can always visit the Welcome Café - you will be made most welcome.
