Young chefs cook up a feast for Wokingham Mayor
This week, the Rainbow Café, located in the Acorn Community Centre, saw a group of young amateur chefs chop, slice and blend to create and serve a hearty lunch for local residents and special guest, the Mayor of Wokingham. Customers from Optalis’ Supported Employment service took over the community café for the day to develop their catering and customer service skills, serving freshly made meals to visitors and the Mayor of Wokingham, Cllr John Kaiser. Donna Morgans, Optalis’ Supported Employment Service Manager, said: “We’re always keen to support our clients and hosting events like these brings new challenges and enables them to gain new skills.” Mayor of Wokingham, Cllr John Kaiser, added: “It is great to see the Optalis team in action, helping to develop customers’ skills so that they can find meaningful employment in the future.” The event is designed specifically to support customers to achieve paid employment and work towards gaining independence in their role. Optalis Employment Coaches work closely with the individuals to ensure they are able to gain experience and skills in their chosen career goals. Eleanor, who was serving food and taking orders, commented: “I am enjoying meeting the public and talking to them. As my ideal job would be in retail, this is giving me valuable experience.” For more information about Optalis’ Supported Employment Service, or if you are a local employer in the Wokingham, Reading or Bracknell area wanting to access a determined workforce, contact Donna on 0118 977 8632 or email donna.morgans@optalis.org