A Neath coffee shop recently linked up with Pobl to provide volunteering opportunities for two young people supported by Pobl Care & Support.
Ryan Jenkins, owner of Dapper Road Coffee Shop welcomed John and Marcus to a ‘barista school’ pilot at his coffee shop on Alfred Street. He kicked of the taster session by explaining a bit about the shop and proclaimed he was “as excited as they were about the sessions and was really looking forward to getting the guys skilled and inspired.”
They then learned how to grind some coffee in preparation for the session and Ryan explained how the coffee machine worked. Next up was the theory behind the various types of coffees: espresso, latte, macchiato etc, and how they were made.
Ryan followed this by a demonstration on how to make a great ‘flat white’. It was then the boys turn to try their hand: both Josh and Marcus made espressos, adding steamed milk and froth to create delicious coffees.
Jim Harle, Support Worker said “Both Marcus and Josh were absolutely thrilled to be given this opportunity, they left feeling inspired and excited about where this could now lead”.
“Myself and my colleague Tanya Gammon, also tried our hand at using a professional coffee machine, tutored by a barista – a fantastic way to learn a new skill, especially alongside two of our young clients”.
Café owner Ryan told us “It was such a lovely opportunity to be able to use an independent alternative business to inspire young people! Bring on the next one!”
Jim is now actively seeking similar opportunities for the boys to refine their newlyfound skills and is discussing the possibility of them becoming involved in one of the social enterprises run by Pobl Care & Support; either at Tapestri (Swansea based café) or the new coffee shop recently acquired by Pobl, to be run by CR8.
Article added: 12th December 2017
