A Co Down company is creating new jobs for people with a learning disability or mental health issue, both here and in England.
Accept Care (Social Firms) Ltd is expanding its Daisies Café social enterprise chain to Belfast, Lurgan and Darlington in England thanks to help from Invest NI.
Derek McClure, operations director at Accept Care Group and a founder of the cafe, said: “Accept Care (Social Firms) is focused on creating a supportive and enabling environment for disadvantaged and disabled people and helping to create sustainable and cohesive communities throughout Northern Ireland. Our new Daisies Cafés will contribute to the growth of the sector and ultimately the local economy.
“Those of us who embarked on the first Daisies Café 12 years ago had a shared belief which is the foundation of all we do at here. That belief is that everyone has worth to their family, their friends and the community – no matter what their perceived abilities are. Daisies Café works with clients who have a learning disability and/or mental ill health.
“Many clients with learning disability have not had the opportunity to develop fully their potential and to show what they are capable of.
“Daisies Café is unique. The charity café was set up 12 years ago as an alternative to the traditional day care and to provide clients with real live on the job training, work experience and, for some, real jobs.
“The enthusiasm of the trainees and staff and their infectious good humour makes a visit to Daisies a real treat. It is the warmth of the staff and their attention to good service that makes customers return again and again, and after you’ve tried their scones, you’ll be back for more.
“Daisies is an ordinary business, providing goods and services under normal business terms and conditions. The fundamental difference lies in the fact that a proportion of its workers will have mental ill health or other disabilities and will require a carefully planned, supportive working environment which would help those who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to gain skills, self-belief and confidence they needed to take their place in the community as equals.”