College’s inclusive café offers bigger welcome

A café run by Derby College Group, which provides training opportunities for people with special educational needs and disabilities, is proving so successful it has extended its opening hours.

Housed in part of St John’s Church, in Mill Street, the Welcome Café offers work placements and a pathway to independence for learners over the age of 25.

It has proven so successful that the café, which has a five-star hygiene rating, has upped its opening hours to four days a week – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10.30am to 2.30pm.

Sarah-Jane Walsh, who leads the Welcome Café along with members of Derby College’s inclusion team, said: “We’re delighted that the café is going from strength to strength and that we can now offer our service to the public for longer.

“It really is such a great environment, and we get to see our students flourish.

“They have the opportunity to learn many important life skills, including communication and customer service.”