A Journey of Self Discovery

The lives of many people with mild intellectual or neurological disabilities have opened up hugely in recent years. And with their strong commitment to equality for all, charities and social enterprises are examples of places which offer volunteering and part-time work opportunities for people who might struggle in full-time open employment. 

The Green Kitchen and Garden Shop in Walkinstown, Dublin is one such place. Brian Kellard, the operations manager of the cafe, says there is no reason a social enterprise can’t be a successful business.

Showing me around the tastefully designed Green Kitchen cafe, the stylish garden shop next door and the smart backyard complete with growing areas and covered seating, he explains how the food and coffee has to be top quality and the working environment as realistic as possible.

Kellard, who has been managing the cafe for the past four years or so, explains.

“I like to think of it as a journey of self-discovery for those who come in. First, you have the cafe experience and then as you peel back the layers, you see it’s a social enterprise and later that people with disabilities work here.

It’s not like a charity cafe with dusty teapots. I try to give the staff as much empowerment as possible. There are some allowances for those with a disability and we are more accepting than other employers but I don’t offer any special treatment,”

[Written by Sylvia Thompson, Irish Times, Photos by Dara Mac Dónaill]