Successful relaunch for Lily&Lime café

23 February 2022

Successful relaunch for Lily&Lime café

Minstead Trust began operating the café under the Lily&Lime name in September 2021 and late last year the café underwent renovation. This official launch allowed customers the chance to see its fresh new look, sample its homemade food and enjoy barista coffee.

The café in Portsmouth Central Library was supported at the event by local organisations, including Lalys Pharmacy, Smart Training and Recruitment, Toucan Diversity, Hive Portsmouth, Community Kettle and Peter Ashley Activity Centres. The groups spoke to customers about their services and offered advice for all.

The day provided a great opportunity for all those present to meet the café’s learning disability trainees, who learn customer service and catering skills that help towards employment.

Chris Hillman, Head of Employability and Apprenticeships at Minstead Trust said:

‘We were delighted with the turnout for the Lily&Lime relaunch, and thankful for the chance to share the success stories of our learners with so many people! Our partner organisations were also a wonderful part of the day, including Smart Training and Recruitment who provide our apprenticeship qualifications and HSDC with whom we have built a great pathway for learners.

Mostly, it was great to see our apprentices, and apprenticeship graduates, demonstrating their talents to the Lord Mayor, local councillors and potential employers throughout the day and their achievements, and the achievements of Minstead Trust being recognised by Smart, with our “Outstanding Community Contribution” award.

We cannot wait to build on the friendships and partnerships developed throughout the day, to continue to develop more opportunities for the people we support and those in the local community.’

The event was attended by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Portsmouth, who chatted to the team to find out what being a part of Lily&Lime means to them and to enjoy some of the delicious treats on sale.

Louisa, who has been working at Lily&Lime since 2016 and is now supported by Minstead Trust said:

‘I’m learning new skills like baking, I help with events and I am making more friends.’

The Trust supports more than 220 people with learning disabilities across Portsmouth and Hampshire to find work, learn new skills, and live in their own homes.

Lily&Lime is run as a social enterprise that supports dozens of people with learning disabilities. They who work in the café where they learn skills that help them work towards paid employment. They also offer event catering and make bespoke cakes for any occasion.

If you would like to find out more about the catering and cake services please email: sophie.enright@minsteadtrust.org.uk