WPR2ND
8 NOVEMBER 28, 2019    PONTY AND RHONDDA
Training café run by
adults with learning
disabilities launches
Mark Millard serving the customers
A NEW training café has
opened in Rhondda Cyn-
on Taf run by adults with
learning disabilities.
The Pickled Gherkin
in Tonypandy provides
training opportunities to
A friendly atmosphere is apparent at The Pickled Gherkin help employees gain con-
fidence and experience in
the workplace.
They serve a range of
hot and cold food, which
they make from scratch.
Lois Hughes, 33, loves
working at the café, and
said she is very grateful to
be given the opportunity
to work there.
“I come to Ty Elai be-
cause I love being with all
the customers, and I am
so glad that I have had the
opportunity to have this
The food is labelled Sam Williams, right, enjoys her lunch with friends chance to work in a lovely
LYDIA STEPHENS
lydia.stephens@walesonline.co.uk
place like this,” said Lois,
who lives in Pontypridd.
She added that working
at the café has boosted her
confidence.
“I’ve got the girl power
because I like to be on the
ball, and I like to be on the
power,” said Lois.
Lois said that while
working as a team is great,
the café would not be the
same without her.
Based at the council’s
Tŷ Elai site, the café is
closed to the public but
council workers who use
it describe it as warm and
welcoming.
The workers will learn
a range or practical skills
walesonline.co.uk
From left Pauline Berbllion,
such as menu planning
– including healthier op-
tions, food preparation,
cooking, meal presenta-
tion and kitchen hygiene
and food safety.
The scheme also hopes
to provide individuals
with the opportunity to
increase their independ-
ence, reduce loneliness
and provide challenge
and stimulation.
Mark Millard said his
favourite part about work-
ing in the café is cleaning
up.