BY Mandy Crowford, Assistant CEO at LDN London
BEFORE I became a support worker in 1991, I worked at a small pub and restaurant. I saw how a good meal can make someone’s day, or ruin it. That’s true in social care too.
Now, as Director Manager at LDN London, I’m passionate about helping people develop their cooking skills, enjoy healthy food, and gain confidence. That’s why I’m so excited about our latest project.
We are refurbishing our kitchen (thanks to a grant) and relaunching our own catering team, which used to be called Yhum Yhums, as LDN Eats.
LDN Eats is more than just a catering team though. It’s made up of people we support. And with a new full-time chef, we plan to grow and do much more. Our team will be trained in catering and hospitality, host group cooking classes, provide events catering, and access real work placements and qualifications.
Only 5% of people with learning disabilities are in paid employment currently. But, many people want to work and are more than capable with the right opportunities and support.
LDN Eats is about giving people real skills, real jobs, and pride in what they do.
We started as Yhum Yhums in 2012 when we catered our own 50th anniversary party. We thought we’d have a go instead of paying for someone to do it. The team made afternoon tea and served finger sandwiches, scones and cakes.
Straight away I could see the pride and joy people felt in the role. They had a sense of achievement and of being valued. And they were paid for their hard work.
For many people with learning disabilities, they don’t get the opportunity to get that feeling of giving back and pride of doing their work well. People also don’t give them the chance to gain the many benefits of working.
One of our team, Valmie, has a learning disability and ADHD and used to need her support worker to come with her. With some small adjustments to the way we work, she is focused and efficient, and doesn’t need support staff alongside her. She is an essential part of our team.
Another team member, Margaret, is now famous for her egg mayonnaise. At first, she needed help, but now she makes it confidently on her own.
Our team members have learned a lot. They’ve developed essential workplace and life skills, including timekeeping, teamwork, and communication.
We’ve gone at their pace. When studying for their food hygiene certificate, we broke it into weekly modules and used the kitchen for hands-on learning. After six weeks, everyone passed! They are now using what they’ve learned catering at events.
This is what people with learning disabilities need: tailored, practical learning and meaningful opportunities to grow and succeed.
I was pleased to see the government announce the Right to Try initiative: In theory this could make it easier for people with learning disabilities to try work without risking financial instability. There are many people that want to work but are worried about losing their benefits if it doesn’t work out. Right to Try could reduce that barrier and open more doors.
However, workplaces also need to create the right adjustments for people to make sure they can reach their potential, have a meaningful role, and so it’s more than just a gimmick.
LDN Eats is a professional operation. We want customers to come for the high-quality food and service, not just because we’re a charity. We want to brighten people’s day, and bring wider change by supporting people with learning disabilities to grow personally and professionally.
We’ll use grants and fundraising to invest in the project and expand across London. Our aim is for people to have permanent jobs and long-term careers.
We’re looking for partners to help us do that.
If you’re interested in supporting or working with LDN Eats, get in touch: mcrowford@ldnlondon.org
