This project provides a unique opportunity for students to learn catering and hospitality skills in a community café environment. Students also have the chance to support a community meals project that provides free meals to Lambeth residents in need. Taking part:
- Encourages active citizenship - supporting the community during a difficult time leads to a sense of pride and achievement
- Helps students feel a part of the community and encourages them to develop their social skills as they connect with local residents
- Develops hospitality and catering skills, providing valuable work experience which could lead to future employment opportunities
Students spend 12 months learning key skills to help them move closer to employment. This includes:
- Supporting the preparation, cooking and distribution of 100-150 weekly meals to local Lambeth residents in need, contributing to the borough-wide approach to tackling the cost-of-living crisis
- Learning catering skills like meal preparation, checking temperatures, cleaning down, and porter duties
- Learning hospitality skills like taking orders, serving food, and working the till
- Customer service skills like interacting and supporting customers and the community
- Catering large events for local organisations and completing a daily lunch service for other students
- The opportunity to complete barista training and level 1 and 2 qualifications in food and hygiene
- Learning employment skills such as time management, communication and teamwork
Students who join the café programme have the added benefit of enjoying the lunch they’re cooked for free!