Autumn Newsletter 2023
Our candidates are looking forward to a future full of possibilities …
The new academic year brings a chance for us to celebrate our candidates and their many achievements. Our young people remain at the heart of everything we do, and we continue to have a huge impact on their lives.
Team Domenica have given me so many opportunities. I now have a paid job and it feels really rewarding. I get a lot out of being in work, I feel like I have potential.
Sam, Team Domenica candidate
Our Impact
In our latest report, we found that:
⭐️ 92% of our candidates feel happier
⭐️ 95% believe they are more skilled
⭐️ 98% have made more friends
⭐️ 91% feel good about their future
This just touches the surface of our impact. To read more amazing statistics, testimonials and stories, read our latest Impact Report.
We are thrilled to have so many young people moving forward in their journeys. Read on to see what else they’ve been up to recently.
Kickstarting the New Year
Candidates join our Supported Employment Programme
This year, 20 candidates were welcomed onto our Supported Employment Programme. Together, we’ve built a real sense of community, safety and growth.
Our young people have gone from strength to strength since starting their training – gaining invaluable skills at Café Domenica, enrichment, and our training centre. In our cafés, our candidates have been focusing on their food hygiene, time keeping and barista skills.
This years new starters have been settling in well, they are showing great progress and are presenting clear dedication to their learning. They report enjoying their training and are a joy to have around. The progress they have made already is astounding and I am excited to see how far they will go.”
Phoebe, Café Training Lead at Team Domenica
Candidates start their Supported Internships
Some of our second year candidates are beginning their supported internships. Each placement is chosen based on a candidate’s interests and ambitions, and – with the help of a personal Job Coach – their roles are tailored to their abilities to ensure success.
My supported internship is brilliant. Baked is a really good place to work and I’m getting to know the job really well.
Team Domenica candidate Ronnie, speaking about his Supported Internship at Baked
I love making the drinks and I’m excited and ready to learn!”
Team Domenica candidate Theo, speaking about his Supported Internship at Pizza Pilgrims
Admissions for 2024
We are now accepting applications for our training programme starting in September 2024, open to any young person with learning disabilities aged 19-24, with an EHCP and a desire to gain employment.
Find out more and download an enquiry form
Alex’s Employment Journey
At Team Domenica, Alex found people who understood him. He was able to show off his upbeat and sociable nature, whilst also learning new skills in the classroom and through work experience.
One of these placements was at Hoogly Tea, weighing and packing stock with their friendly staff. Alex and his colleagues enjoyed working together so much that their partnership transitioned into a supported internship the following year.
Then, this September, Alex was offered a paid position within their ranks. He is a fantastic addition to the Hoogly team, attending all their social events, be that playing board games or taking part in their quiz night.
Alex has fitted in so well, we are all very fond of him and enjoy working together. Team Domenica have been so supportive and helpful throughout and we would highly recommend any business to work with them.
Tina, Alex's manager at Hoogly Tea
WRAP AROUND SUCCESS
We offer ongoing support after a candidate starts employment and it is thanks to this commitment that over 95% of our young people retain their position for at least one year.
But that’s not all. Our Wrap Around Programme also supports candidates in their ventures beyond Team Domenica. For example:
Our Post-Internship Manager recently signposted and supported one of our candidates – David – through his application and interview for a ‘Quality Checker’ position at Grace Eyre. David has since been offered this role alongside his original job at The Sound Rooms (gained through our Supported Internship Programme).
Get Involved
Brighton Marathon Weekend 2024
We’re now accepting sign ups to next years Brighton Marathon and BM10K. By running for Team Domenica, you will help us continue our innovative programmes that create futures for our fantastic candidates.
What’s more, we’ll pay for your place, all we ask is that you commit to a fundraising target in return. The money raised will help support a candidate in our Wrap Around Programme, meaning that people like Katie (below) can receive our ongoing support, even after attaining paid work. Click the image below to read her success story.
How Do We Support our Runners?
When you sign up to run for Team Domenica at the Brighton Marathon Weekend, you’ll receive:
- A FREE place for the Marathon or BM10k
- A high-quality, personalised Team Domenica running shirt with your name on
- 1-to-1 fundraising support from our team
- Invitations to our runner meetups (coffee and cake on us!)
- Mega support on the day from our team and community
- A voucher for a free coffee in one of four Café Domenica locations in Brighton.
- Email theteam@teamdomenica.com to find out more and register,
- alternatively call 07423462931 (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm).
Making a Splash
We want to say a massive WELL DONE and THANK YOU to everyone who joined us in going to ‘Great Lengths’ for our candidates on 24 September 2023 – we’re so proud of you!
It was a fantastic launch to our first fundraising event and, together, our swimmers raised over £28,000 for Team Domenica. Find out more about the day by watching the above video or reading our latest news.
Rosa Monckton MBE, our founder and chair, also swam on the day. She said:
I am so proud of all the swimmers. A lot of our candidates have been swimming, their parents, people who’ve been touched by the charity and the way in which we transform lives. It’s clear to me that we should do this again and I am already going to put my hand up and do 800m next year!
Rosa Monckton, founder & chair of Team Domenica
With the days getting shorter and temperatures dropping, our winter warmers are now on sale at Café Domenica. Just pop in to any of our four locations to try the deliciousness for yourself!
Opening Hours
5-7 Preston Road
Mon-Fri: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Plus X Brighton
Mon-Fri: 7:30am – 3:30pm
Jubilee Library
Mon-Sat: 10am – 4pm
Hove Library
Mon-Fri (excluding Wednesdays): 10am – 4pm
Instagram: @CafeDomenica
Christmas Catering
Are you looking for some fresh, affordable and rewarding catering for your staff party, private dinner or social gathering this Christmas?
Our candidates can cater for you. From preparation to plate, they work hard to create the best possible experience.
Thank you for the lovely cakes and treats. We had wonderful comments about your carrot cake loaf! It’s the best carrot cake in all of SUSSEX!
Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft
To find out more or make an enquiry, contact us: catering@teamdomenica.com
Exciting Events
Café Domenica is a hub for the Brighton & Hove community. We’re home to a variety of exciting and creative events such as our upcoming Candle Painting Night…
Whether you want to treat yourself, create a personalised gift or stretch your artistic muscles, this is the event for you! Tickets are £15 each which covers the cost of three tapered candles, a selection of coloured tealights and a variety of paints and brushes.
Find out more and get your tickets by visiting our Eventbrite or clicking below.
