A London Café with a Mission
Fair Shot operates like any London coffee shop. It serves coffee and food. It also functions as a vital training center. The center supports young adults with learning disabilities. This innovative approach addresses a critical issue. Only 4.8% of people with learning disabilities had paid work in England during 2022-2023. This statistic comes from the government’s annual survey. Bianca Tavella, Fair Shot’s founder, aims to change this.
Empowering Individuals Through Training and Employment
Aya Bider, 23, recently graduated from Fair Shot’s program. She now works in sales at LVMH. She faced previous rejections from other employers. Aya expresses her pride in securing paid work. She emphasizes the importance of having a job. She describes the alternative as unproductive and isolating.
Tavella, 29, grew up with an autistic friend. This experience inspired her. She developed a plan. It provides training for individuals with learning disabilities. It also educates potential employers. This dual approach helps individuals reach their full potential. It addresses employer concerns.
Success Stories and Individual Growth
Fair Shot has numerous success stories. Tavella recalls a non-verbal student. Her parents never imagined she could hold a job. She has now worked as a barista for two years. Tavella excels in her role. She focuses on her work and remains unfazed by challenges.
Fair Shot supports students with various conditions. These include autism, auditory processing disorder, and Down syndrome. Some students have undiagnosed conditions. The program trains 15 people each year. It prepares them for paid employment.
Partnering with Employers for Inclusive Hiring
Nineteen employers have partnered with Fair Shot. They offer jobs to graduates. The partnership process involves over 40 steps. It can take a year or more. A Fair Shot consultant trains the partner company’s staff. This ensures they are ready to support their new employee. Tavella acknowledges the process is demanding. She believes the right intentions make it achievable. Partners include The Ivy, other coffee shops, co-working spaces, and Goldman Sachs.
Positive Feedback and Demonstrating Value
Employers provide enthusiastic feedback about their new hires. They highlight their employees’ motivation and genuine desire to work. One coffee shop manager praised a Fair Shot graduate. He stated the graduate’s coffee-making skills and work ethic surpassed other employees.
Fair Shot’s Covent Garden café generates revenue. This helps fund the training. Tavella also raises £450,000 annually to support the charity. Alex Watling, 18, is currently training at Fair Shot. He expresses pride in his progress. He hopes to secure a paid job upon completion.
