A much-loved kiosk has re-opened in Swansea's Victoria Park and is making a difference to the lives of adults with learning disabilities and experiences of mental health issues.
Tucked away in Victoria Park, opposite the Guildhall in Swansea, the kiosk and small cafe is run by Swansea Council's Work Development Service in partnership with CREST (College of Recovery Education Skills & Training). Before it closed in 2020, amidst the lockdowns of the Covid pandemic, it supported more than 40 people to learn how to prepare and serve customers dishes such as its "famous" corned beef pie. Open between 9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday, dishes served also include jacket potatoes, salads, filled rolls and baguettes.
Joanne Hearne, 47, from Morriston said her experience training at the kiosk had helped her to gain confidence and learn how to prepare a variety of dishes. "It just put me on the right track," she added. You can get more Swansea news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
Daryl Moore, 47, who works in the cafe, said: "We've been shut since Covid, since the first lockdown. I've been working within social services for 15 years and I took on this job in the training kitchen when it became available again. People do 18 month contracts and we hopefully upskill them to be able to take jobs in the catering industry.
"We have people with learning disabilities and mental health. It gives them an opportunity they probably wouldn't have and there's the chance for progression into work which is our goal, but if not it's skills they can take home to be self-sufficient. If they can cook their own meals and prep their own food it makes life a lot easier and gives them independence. We're offering something to the community whilst upskilling people."
Swansea Council’s cabinet member for wellbeing, Alyson Pugh, said: “I’m so pleased that the kiosk is re-opening as our service users have missed the valued opportunities it brings. Over the years it has played a major part in the recovery journeys of more than 40 people. For those who have never visited the kiosk – then if you are in the area I can thoroughly recommend it.”
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