North Ayrshire: Opportunities for adults with a learning disability

The projects will help adults who attend their Day Centre to access vocational training and potentially gain recognised qualifications – which could lead to future employment opportunities – as well as providing social opportunities, valuable transferable skills and boosting well-being.

Baristamoss and The Glam Hideaway were launched by Sheriff Iona McDonald, Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, and North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson on Friday, June 9 at the Trindlemoss complex in Irvine, where staff, families and guests were invited along to learn more about the schemes.

Also attending was Walter Smith MBE, business ambassador for DYW Ayrshire, who has been instrumental in getting these projects up and running.

Baristamoss is a mobile unit that can be taken out to events to provide delicious hot drinks, allowing those involved to learn barista and customer service skills. It is also hoped that the scheme can become part of plans for a future community café at Trindlemoss.

And new beauty room ‘The Glam Hideaway’ will see participants being supported by qualified trainers to develop practical beauty skills including hair, nail and make-up treatments, with the potential to provide services as a community enterprise as the project progresses.

This calm oasis at the heart of Trindlemoss is equipped with two nail stations, a hair station and backwash, a reception desk and seating area.

The initiatives follow on from a series of similar projects that have been running in North Ayrshire schools for a number of years now, offering a diverse range of hands-on learning opportunities for pupils that are supported and funded by partners including DYW Ayrshire, as well as similar barista projects that are currently running for care experienced young people at NAHSCP’s Meadowcroft and within North Ayrshire Justice Services.

Councillor Margaret Johnson, cabinet member for health and social care at North Ayrshire Council, said: “It is fantastic to see the launch of these two extremely worthwhile initiatives at Trindlemoss.

“We are excited to be able to offer these opportunities to those using our services, which will help learners to develop the ‘six Cs’ of running an effective, enterprising business - customer service, courtesy, commitment, confidence, communication and care.

“While participants may be able to gain recognised qualifications by taking part in the schemes - potentially opening the doors to future employment - the benefits will be far wider-reaching. The social opportunities on offer, as well as the aforementioned skills that will be gained, are experiences that will be valuable in so many aspects of daily life.

“We’re truly excited to see how these projects develop and hope that everyone taking part now and in the future will enjoy the benefits that will come from being involved.”