The Artizan Cafe was launched 2 years ago to create work experience, day services and workplace skills training for disabled young adults.
The acceptance of our members and the work we do in Harrogate has been so beautifully embraced by the local community, it constantly gives our team the boost to strive through the challenges we face as a charity in the current economic climate.
We are in desperate need to replace some of the second hand equipment we opened with. Drinks cabinet, sandwich chiller, mixers for cake making, fridges and baking equipment.
Using our own industry-focussed training pathways, we are providing a vocational training programme unlike anything seen before, providing an end-to-end solution that truly enables learning-disabled adults to attain their dream of paid employment with local employers and all of the eqiuipment we need is used by our trainees every single day.
We are providing an unusual setting for our members that they cannot access elsewhere; to be part of a team of colleagues and friends there to support and encourage them. Feeling part of a team allows us to grow in strength and confidence and when that happens, we can acheieve far more than we ever imagined!
A parent told us “No one has believed in "F" like this before. Given them an opportunity to succeed rather than just activities to keep them busy"
The Artizan Cafe and Creative Space has also meant that as a charity we have been able to offer more connection to our disabled community such as launching the “Llama Lounge” SEN teenage youth club and seeing the return post covid of our “Crafty Llamas” 10-15 yr old craft clubs.
Having our Cafe and Creative space and the exceptional team running it, we are able to provide these valuable services; bringing safe spaces, friendship, socialisation and purpose to these young people to reach their potential.