RORY SUPPORTS 4EDEN’S CAFÉ

Rory visited 4Eden’s latest venture, Cafe4EDEN at Brougham Hall, to find out more about the charity’s exciting plans for the future.

Mr Stewart was very impressed by the delicious food and  service at the café which is run by 4EDEN, formerly Eden Mencap Society. Owning a café has been a long-term plan of 4EDEN’s chief officer, Jacqui Taylor, to help people with a learning disability develop skills and provide employment for them. Once people are trained up in the café, they are offered paid work on weekends. All the fresh food served at the cafe – including soups, breads and traybakes – is also prepared by people supported by 4EDEN.

While visiting Brougham Hall, Mrs Taylor showed Mr Stewart around the buildings which 4EDEN are planning on making into a brewery and bakery. To raise funds to buy their own building, Ullswater House, in Penrith, 4EDEN worked in partnership with a local brewery to create and sell its own ale – Vanya Yam. Ullswater House has now been boughtbut Brew4EDEN still continues and has now been asked to make ales for two other businesses. The bakery at Brougham Hall will also make fresh breads to supply local businesses.

After the visit, Mr Stewart said: “I was really impressed by the brilliant initiative shown by 4EDEN and the great variety of projects they have going on. The drive of those working at 4EDEN to come up
with different ideas and help people to build up their skills is really fantastic to see. The café at is a real gem at Brougham Hall and I’d encourage everyone to pop in.”
Mrs Taylor said: “Many question if our guys are capable, the answer is yes – all are, but each person has different skills and needs and I need to develop a way in which we can include all those (who want to be included) and change the way ‘day services’ are run into a meaning full activity base with outcomes to sustain.We want to be more than just a provider of services and meeting basic needs. We are brave, bold and courageous and we value each person – lose this learning disability label and treat each person as an equal, with the respect, value and opportunities we all deserve.“