Catering for the needs of everyone

A charity providing vocational training to people with learning needs is cooking up a storm.

Brighter futures are on the menu at the Fieldway Kitchen

Vision 21’s Fieldway Kitchen develops its students catering and social skills, whilst also serving up a regular food service. With students given the autonomy to create their own menu, the kitchen provides daily meals for the site’s other users and makes contributions to the charity’s buffet service.

The project is vital in empowering its students, giving them opportunities that are unavailable elsewhere. Catering instructor, Richard Lane says, “These adults leave education and don’t have anywhere to go. We want them to have a value, an interest, stimulation. Above all, we want them to be happy.”

For details of a buffet that provides more than just sandwiches, head to the website.

_{Photos by Tom Carter}

A Clear Vision

Vision 21 has been providing vocational training for people with learning needs for 26 years. The Fieldway Kitchen has been running since the early nineties.

The kitchen is awash with success stories. One graduate of the scheme has gone on to become the catering manager of a local superstore.

The kitchen is one of four catering projects which contribute to the charity’s excellent buffet service.

The kitchen teaches three to four students per day, with most attending once a week. It provides 20-40 meals a day.

^{Vision 21 provides opportunities for adults with learning needs.}

When Richard Lane first became catering instructor, students noted that his change into whites was like a scene from Mr Benn. Lane still draws on this delightful image and says students “chose their own adventure” in the kitchen.

Students learn soft skills that can be translated to everyday life. These have included, British favourite, queuing etiquette and catching a bus.

Vision 21 runs a total of 19 projects, including ICT and woodwork. Students rotate to the charity’s divisions throughout the week.

As well as the buffet service, the charity runs two other social enterprises: Vision Made and Oaks Garden Nursery. Both are open to the public and offer goods provided by the Vision 21 students.

Vision 21 will be hosting a charity Christmas fayre at Sbectrwm on November 27. This is followed by the AGM.

If you want to get involved you can donate or volunteer. Head to referrals page if you want to refer a student. For further information see the website.

better futures, buffet service, catering, Cooking, Fieldway Kitchen, learning needs, Richard Lane, Vision 21