Louisa: Lead baker at Lily&Lime

Louisa was one of the original team at Lily&Lime café in Portsmouth when she joined in 2016. She has since been able to develop her skills and is now one of its lead bakers.

Through Minstead Trust’s apprenticeship programme, Louisa has learned to work independently and enjoys chatting with customers and other people who work at the café.

Louisa is well respected for her catering skills now and in fact, now also trains junior bakers with the crucial skills they need to create some wonderful food. Working life has also enabled her to forge lifelong friendships, as well as learn a variety of life skills to give her greater independence.

Louisa is now employed 3 Days a Week and has moved into independent living.

A few questions with Louisa 

What do you do?

I help with baking the homemade cakes in the café. I have always been interested in baking and my confidence has improved since I have been able to do this more. I also help with event catering in the café where I help to set up crockery and prepare food.

Why is it important to you?

My apprenticeship keeps me busy and I enjoy what I do.

What do you love most about working?

It is nice to have my own independence and I can help others to learn things.

What would you love to achieve?

I would like to finish my apprenticeship and get a paid job.

Why do you think it’s important for people with a learning disability to get opportunities to work?

I think it’s important because it builds confidence and proves that we can do things just as well as everyone else.

Do you think enough people with a learning disability are in work? If not why do you think that is?

I don’t think people understand what a learning disability is and are scared to have someone

working for them in case they need too much support.

How do you think employers can make it better for people with a learning disability to get access to more work?

Work with people like Minstead who can educate and support other businesses.

Finally, do you think most people understand what a learning disability is?

No.