Press Coverage

BRIGHTER FUTURES PROJECT

Seven Local students have never ‘bean’ prouder after successfully completing a full-time Barista Internship at the Moorings Social Club.

The young people, aged 19 to 25, loved the training that taught them every aspect of producing the perfect coffee, from roasting and grinding beans to foaming milk. It was delivered by the Brighter Futures charity, which helps individuals with learning disabilities to be as independent as possible by arranging training, enabling them to achieve their full potential.

The organisation also runs the Camouflage Cafe at he Moorings Social Club, which offered students the opportunity to practice their Barista skills with customers. The graduation ceremony was hosted by the Mayor of Greenwich, Cllr Jit Ranabhat (pictured with graduate Giovanna), at the town hall with the families of students joining them to celebrate their success.

Brighter Future co -founders, Kemi and Chris Madumere, said : ” The programme challenges the preconceptions people may have, and normalises the presence of diverse abilities in the working environment.”

Delighted student, Giovanna, added: ”With this qualification now I can go and get a job. I want to be independent like everyone else.”

This successful programme is a joint partnership between DFN Project, The Royal Borough of Greenwich, and Unity Works. Peabody gave additional support by supplying the training room at the Moorings Sociable Club, volunteering as customers, participating in job interview practice sessions, and offering work placement.

Baptista, one of the tutors, said: ”The venue was ideal, and Peabody staff showed us love; our young people felt at home, and this also contributed to their success in completing  the programme.”

Several graduates from Brighter Futures programmes have already secured employment offers, while others are pursuing further education or training.