Learning Curve 7 Year Anniversary

There was extra love in the air this Valentine’s Day for the team of adults with a learning disability at our Learning Curve coffee shop in Talbot Green as they celebrated its seven year anniversary.

The Learning Curve Coffee Shop was created by Rhondda Cynon Taff Council to give adults with a learning disability the chance to learn new skills out in the community.

So far they have successfully trained more than 75 people in a variety of areas including catering, customer care and money handling.

Coffee Shop manager, Kath Bennett from Cardiff, has worked at the Learning Curve since it opened.

She said: “On average someone will stay with us for around 18 months and will have the opportunity to work in all aspects of the business.  From dish washing to food preparation, we make sure everyone leaves us feeling more confident with valuable skills that can be used in any other catering business.

“There is a lovely atmosphere at The Learning Curve and we have many regular customers who enjoy getting to know the team here.”

Trainee Rachel Thomas started at the coffee shop just after Christmas and loves her work there. She said: “My favourite part of the job is making the food look nice on the plate.”

We are committed to developing a happy and productive working environment for the trainees. 

Q Care managing director, Philip Gregory said: “The trainees love it here.  They not only gain valuable catering skills and qualifications, but also learn to travel to work independently. Working at Learning Curve can be a great confidence builder for people with learning difficulties that helps them aspire to paid employment in the community.”

“We are really proud of the work Kath and her team have done over the last seven years.  The Learning Curve is a great example of a community project that benefits all those involved”.