The impact of Team Domenica's programmes is best seen through the eyes of our candidates, their families and our employer partners…
Mel’s lovely smile is the first thing you’ll notice about her. And when you ask her about working in her first paid role, she grins with enthusiasm.
Mel has landed her first job in The Hut, the staff restaurant at Focus, an IT, telecoms and connectivity company in Shoreham, after spending two years on the Team Domenica programme.
I’m really happy working here. I’m comfortable with my team who are so friendly and we have a lot of fun.
Mel
Building confidence and workplace skills
Mel is naturally shy and so her Team Domenica Job Coach Vanessa and the team at Focus, where she completed her Supported Internship, helped Mel to manage potentially difficult situations. With a large workforce in the Focus building, lunchtime can become busy.
“We worked with Mel to tell us if she felt overwhelmed and have agreed that she can always go to a quieter place for a break if she needs to. It has helped her feel more confident and she rarely needs to take time out but we understand if she does.”
Julie, Senior Catering Assistant, The Hut, Focus
A valued member of the team
The kitchen at Focus was not Mel’s first experience of a workplace. She worked in the Team Domenica cafes and our pub The North Star during her first year. She also had a work placement at Little Fishes Play Group where she excelled and got on well with the staff and children.
Mel’s second year with Team Domenica involved a Supported Internship for 16 hours per week for 26 weeks. Her Job Coach Vanessa accompanied her as she learnt the role and gradually stepped back as Mel became increasingly independent and part of the Focus team.
Mel works so hard and we are really happy to have her around. It’s great seeing her chat with Focus staff when we serve lunch and she has become more independent over time.
Stu, Manager of The Hut, Focus
Mel's busy day at work
On an average day Mel is expected to help prep the kitchen, refilling drinks fridges and food shelves before the lunchtime rush, serve meals to the customers and work on the till before the post-lunch clean-up.
“I’ve settled in well and I’m really confident with my team. I enjoy being independent and getting on with tasks like checking the coffee machine and serving staff at the counter.
I’ve learnt how to respond to staff chatting to me from different teams when they come for their lunch.”
Mel
The right person in the right place at the right time
It’s not just been Mel who has learnt some new skills during her time at Focus. Her Deputy Manager Julie admits she wasn’t sure about working with a person with learning disabilities and autism.
“I was a bit nervous and worried that I would say the wrong thing but it’s been fine. I’ve never had to work with someone with learning disabilities and autism. I worried I wouldn’t be able to teach Mel how to do the job but it’s been fine. Mel has been so easy to work with. She works hard and is great. There have been no problems to be honest.
“I think we just found the right person to fit into the right place here at the right time and we’re all very happy to be working with Mel.”
Julie, The Hut, Focus
