Learning disabilities charity to open cafe in Hove Library

Domenica and CafÃ© Manager Francesca Sessa

Team Domenica aims to help people with learning disabilities to discover their career potential, create employment opportunities, and remove barriers to work in local communities.

It runs a cafe in Preston Road, Brighton, with its second set to open in Hove Library on Monday, October 29.

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Jo Cook, executive director at Team Domenica, said: “Coming just two years after Team Domenica’s first café opened in the city, and 12 months after our move to Preston Circus, the new café in Hove Library is the result of the hard work of all our candidates, staff, volunteers and trustees.

“Candidates working in our cafés have the chance to develop new skills – including communication and customer service, whilst also building their confidence and gaining practical work experience in a real work environment.

“Not only is this valuable to them, but also to the public and community who gain real value by interacting with people with learning disabilities.”

The new café at Hove Library will be open Monday to Saturday from 10am until 5pm and will be staffed by Team Domenica’s candidates.

Cllr Emma Daniel, chair of the council’s neighbourhoods, inclusion, communities and equalities committee, said: “The council is delighted to have Team Domenica moving into Hove Library.

“Not only will the team be delivering great food, they will be providing young people with learning difficulties the chance to develop both work and life skills.

“People who visit the café will know they are contributing to Team Domenica’s philosophy of helping young people whilst being part of the library’s future.”

Speaking ahead of the opening, Team Domenica founder and chair Rosa Monckton said: “We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to open a Café Domenica in Hove Library. It is both a wonderful opportunity for our candidates to practice their professional and social skills, and also important for Team Domenica to be able to provide such a useful service to the community, which has been so welcoming to us all.

“The work that we do is life changing. We are giving hope, where previously there was none; giving young adults with learning disabilities a sense of self-worth, and – often for the very first time – a sense of achievement and belonging.”

To find out more about Team Domenica, visit: www.teamdomenica.com