A CAFE offering employment opportunities for people with physical and learning disabilities has launched in Milford Haven.

Caffi Man Cwrdd’ - or ‘The Social Zone Café’ - operates of Milford Haven Leisure Centre, and provides work experience, training and employment opportunities in catering, food and customer service.

Councillor Tessa Hodgson, cabinet member for Social Services, said: “Caffi Man Cwrdd is a real example of how partnership working can create opportunities and improve our services.

“The production team at Norman Industries in Haverfordwest have worked hard to refurbish and set up the new catering facilities and seating area in the leisure centre transforming the space into an inviting environment for all.”

The café staff were trained and recruited via Workways+ and have been supported through the European Social Funded Workways+ and Experience 4 Industry projects.

Cllr Hodgson added: “The leisure centre staff and manager have been extremely accommodating and helpful supporting the project as it has developed.”

The café - funded through the Intermediate Care Fund (ICF) - has been staffed and operational since May and is already popular with leisure centre users and staff.

Karen Davies, project manager, said ‘We are keen to promote the opportunities available through the café and make sure that it is utilised by people.

“We hope that the café will be profitable enough to be able to sustain without the funding and that we can continue to provide these training and employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities as well as provide an additional service to leisure centre users – including healthier eating options.

“None of this would have been possible without the ICF funding.”

The cafe is also able to cater for children’s parties and buffets at the leisure centre and provides hot drinks and refreshments for meetings (a bookable room is available at the leisure centre).

To find out more information about the café and the opportunities provided please contact Karen on 01437 763650.