Training scheme hopes to serve up success

The mayor Dasvid Ridgway visiting a new training project, Stanleys, that has launched to help people get into work, by setting up a cafe at the Options Centre, Dewsbury

Stanleys, which teaches its clients the skills needed to run a successful business, has opened a cafe at the Options Centre on George Street.

The cafe will serve freshly made meals at lunchtime on Mondays and Wednesdays, and will also offer buffets and events hosting.

It is hoped by learning to run a successful cafe, clients will improve their key employment skills, including how to deal with members of the public and handle money.

Sara Gill, founder of Stanley’s said: “We started it up a couple of years ago in Bradford but it didn’t really work so we came over to Kirklees, who funded us to set up a project for people with learning disabilities.

“We take on small groups and they run a business as if it was a business.

“We are always looking for clients to be referred to us, but we also want people to come down and use the cafe.”

“For us it’s quite important, because we want to see them try and keep the business sustainable.”

Stanleys offers support to anyone who is experiences difficulties finding a job, but puts a special focus on those with learning disabilities.

Anyone who would like to refer a client to Stanleys can contact them on 0845 269 0231, or drop into the Options Centre, Dewsbury on Mondays or Wednesdays.