New café will offer hands-on opportunities to students with disabilities
Part of the Rehab Group, NLN has supported thousands of people with disabilities into employment, as part of its mission to break down barriers to education, training and meaningful work opportunities across Ireland.
A new café combining a welcoming space for the public with practical, hands-on learning opportunities for students is set to open in the heart of Castlebar at The Linenhall Arts Centre.
‘Nest café’ is a National Learning Network skills hub that will help students develop workplace skills and gain experience to support their progression into employment.
The café will be situated next door to NLN Linenhall, on Linenhall Street, Castlebar.
Part of the Rehab Group, NLN has supported thousands of people with disabilities into employment, as part of its mission to break down barriers to education, training and meaningful work opportunities across Ireland.
More than 100 students will have access to work experience placements across a range of café roles. Students will gain experience in barista training, food preparation, customer service, hospitality, event marketing, cash handling and stock management.
With support tailored to their individual needs, they will develop these skills in a working café serving the local community and visitors to the arts centre.
The café will prepare for opportunities in hospitality, retail and the wider service sector. Its location within the historic The Linenhall Arts Centre will give students an immersive and inclusive experience of serving a diverse customer base while contributing to Castlebar’s cultural and community life.
Based on Breaffy Road, NLN Castlebar provides further education and training for young people and adults who need additional support. Across Castlebar and Belmullet, its five vocational training programmes span QQI Levels 3 to 5 to suit all abilities, covering sport, business, culinary skills, employer-based training and skills for life.
The courses are specifically designed to help students reach their full potential and progress into employment, further education and independent living in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Programmes are designed to support personal development and growth, independent living, self-advocacy and determination, and access to assistive technology is available where required.
The new café builds on longstanding relationships with students, families, employers and community partners across Mayo, with support from Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB) and the HSE.
Dr Rita Day, Director of Learning with Rehab Group, said: “By bringing learning into the heart of a public café, 'nest café' will showcase students’ skills and potential, promote inclusion and give the community an opportunity to support their student journey. We are looking forward to this space opening to the public in the coming months and to the opportunities it will create.
"I want to thank Director of Operations, Fiona Neary and The Linenhall Arts Centre team for their support in bringing the café to life. We are thrilled by the generosity of local businesses and sponsors across Mayo whose contributions are helping to transform the space and create new opportunities for students across the county.”
The team at NLN would like to extend their appreciation to the many businesses who have sponsored the development of nest café, including: Sheridan Electric, Tile Warehouse Castlebar, Duffy’s Stainless Steel, South West May Development Company, Linda Beirne and Tony Hynes, Walsh Mechanical Engineering, PanelDuct, Kavanagh Group, EZ Living, Horkan’s Garden Centre, Rabbitt Furniture, Symphony Kitchens, Mulroy’s Filling Stations, McDermot’s Furniture, Castle Davitt Furniture, Art &Hobby at Horkan’s, Oliver Kellaghers, Woodies, Harvey Normans, Brian Moran Auctioneers.
The opening date will be announced shortly.
