A new independent café supporting young people with disabilities officially opened in Reading today (Wednesday, March 22).

Barista & Beyond serves coffee, cakes, and sandwiches all while providing supported employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Launched by the ‘Ways Into Work’ charity, the cafe is located at 5 Alfred Street, Reading.

Ways into Work is an organisation that supports people with a disability or disadvantage to gain and maintain employment. It also supports employers with their recruitment and diversity needs.

The grand opening was attended by the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, Managing Director of Ways Into Work, Jonathan Holley, and Education and skills development principal of New Directions College in Reading, Andrea Wood.

Charlie Duffy, 18, staff member with learning delays and autism, said: "It's an amazing feeling seeing everyone come together. It's [the official opening] been hectic but good. 

"No matter what you have or how you feel it's an opportunity. Everyone in this world deserves a chance at showing how good they can be."

The cafe works with New Directions College to provide training - health and safety, food preparation, kitchen hygiene and customer service - before giving them practical work experience at Barista and Beyond.

Talking about the new cafe the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, said: "Reading is a successful place but it is only as successful as the people in Reading can be.

"Everyone in Reading has something to contribute. Everyone in Reading matters. We change the world one act at a time."

The scheme is designed to prove that people with disabilities are capable of working. It aims to encourage more employers to consider hiring people with disabilities in the future.

The cafe also has a meeting room for hire for up to eight people. It costs £20 per hour but the cost is deducted from food and drinks purchased.

Managing Director of Ways Into Work, Jonathan Holley, said: "I am really proud of the team at Barista and Beyond and Ways Into Work.

"We believe that this is a positive and ethical model for future business - a social enterprise that not only provides a creative recruitment solution for the often understaffed hospitality industry, but also tap into underserved and motivated individuals resulting in a more diverse workforce that better represents the communities in which we live."

Encouraging people to visit, Jonathan adds: "It could be the most impactful cup of coffee you ever have."