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| We now have a café on site, which recently celebrated 18 months of operation. It was created and is run by the residents, for the residents – a great example of how client involvement led to the improvement of our service.
Through our involvement with the Eatsome Project, several of our residents had gained qualifications in food preparation and hygiene and two in particular wanted to put these skills to use for the benefit of others. Under the guidance of two of our support workers, they planned and budgeted for the establishment of a café in the basement of Cosgarne Hall, to serve wholesome meals to residents at affordable prices. We provided the facilities and a small loan to get the project going, and the clients prepared a business plan. The café got off to a flying start and has (so far) never looked back. The loan was quickly repaid and funds were raised out of sales and a grant, to purchase additional equipment. Residents now enjoy the benefits of a self-funded café serving very reasonably priced and substantial meals at breakfast and lunch times on most days of the week. For many new arrivals to our service, this has become a lifeline and a route back into regular eating after years of chaotic, unhealthy eating and often largely liquid diets. And because the service was developed, and is run, by the residents for the residents, by their own efforts, it is so much more valued than if it had been handed to them "on a plate" (sorry about the awful pun!) HOME |
| The Residents’ Café
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