Whilst many employers within the Hospitality industry would like to improve the diversity and inclusivity of their workforce some do not have the confidence or skills internally to take on people with learning difficulties or mental health issues who are often directly competing for jobs with non-disabled people.
One organisation looking to change that is CRUMBS, a disability training charity dedicated to supporting adults with learning disabilities, mental health issues, stabilised addictions, or head injuries.
From a dedicated training centre in Bournemouth supported by a team of staff with extensive Hospitality industry experience, CRUMBS provides training in food production & service, housekeeping and administration through comprehensive training programmes endorsed by the Institute of Hospitality.
Working with 30-40 trainees a year, CRUMBS delivers practical training in a professional working environment using commercial standard equipment. The training programmes recognise 3 levels of professional achievement: Foundation, Certificate and Diploma. Online learning units were added to the programmes in 2020, helping to provide trainees with the skills they need to interact and communicate within an increasingly digital world.
It does not stop there, CRUMBS charitable objective is to promote education and social inclusion for the disadvantaged by providing tailored training and development programmes to help people progress into work, primarily within the Hospitality industry, and to live more independently.
For a disabled person a job opportunity is often more valuable than just being paid a salary, it is a way for them to engage with and contribute to society, and gain different life experiences. The CRUMBS PATHS (Professional, Aspirational, Teamwork, Happiness, Skills) programme enables trainees to develop a wide range of professional and life skills, helping to increase their confidence and self-esteem.
Ursula Boardman, Training & Development Manager at The CRUMBS Project tells us:
“Disabled people face many challenges and can find it even harder to be accepted within a work environment. Through work placements and job trials with local employers our trainees gain vital opportunities to build their confidence and social skills which makes it more likely they will successfully gain and keep a job”.
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic over 43% of CRUMBS trainees have found employment in the Hospitality industry since October 2020. The current staffing crisis in the industry means organisations like CRUMBS need more support from industry groups and employers to provide opportunities for the people they work with through mentoring, cookery masterclasses, work placements and job opportunities.
IoH’s Robert Richardson FIH (CEO) and Sam Coulstock FIH (Head of Professional Development) were able to visit CRUMBS during September and commented on the professionalism of the training and the obvious enjoyment and engagement of the trainees. As Robert said during the visit “As an Institute we are promoting diversity and CRUMBS is a great example of how the industry can support diversity by encouraging those with these types of disabilities into fulfilling and engaging professional opportunities.”.
Peter Jones FIH, Chair of CRUMBS commented:
“Our charity is evolving. We have a path laid out through a roadmap of projects and initiatives over the next 12-36 months including working smarter through digitisation. We always seek support and partnerships from employers and industry professionals to help us to enhance both the quality of our training programmes and our ability to meet the needs of employers through placing CRUMBS trainees in the Hospitality industry”.
Sarah has a learning disability and joined CRUMBS to boost her confidence for independent living and improve her employment skills. “I have always enjoyed going to CRUMBS. I have learnt lots of new skills in the Kitchen and in the Bakery. CRUMBS is a good place to go, and the staff are really friendly”.
To find out more and to get in touch with CRUMBS visit: www.crumbs.org.uk
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