The young people who volunteer at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court snack bar

The young volunteers with additional learning needs from Portfield School are working at the Action for Children’s Hatch snack bar at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

Volunteers report feeling more confident due to learning new skills and dealing with the public.

“I wanted to learn new skills and it’s been really good. I use the till and serve the public and it’s great to have happy customers enjoying the food and coffee. I feel more confident after working here,” said 17-year-old Portfield student Charlotte.

Her classmate Daniel, 17, added: “I’ve liked everything about it and I’ve learned good maths skills and preparing food which I’ve really enjoyed.

“I’ve also really liked using the till and dealing with customers and I’d really like to take what I’ve learnt into jobs when I leave school.”

The Hatch serves sandwiches, drinks and snacks to local organisations and members of the public at the court

The snack shop came from a Dragons’ Den-style pitch made to a panel of Action for Children staff.

Pembrokeshire Council have backed the initiative and Children in Need have also supported the project with £10,000 a year over three years with Bluestone Wales holiday company contributing £5,000, Health and Safety training and consulting advice.

Student from Pembrokeshire College and young adult carers volunteer at the Hatch, and the shop also supports as many as three young people, for one day a week from Portfield School.

Portfield School in Haverfordwest provides education for pupils with statements of special educational needs (SEN) aged between three and 19 years.

Caroline Ball, Deputy Head at Portfield School, said: “Charlotte and Daniel really enjoy the experience and look forward to it.

“Their confidence and communication skills have improved and their skills with money handling and using the digital till have been good for their confidence and an opportunity to practise important skills.”