Maria Miller, MP for Basingstoke, dropped in to the Cafe Dome in Brighton Hill recently, to find out about this innovative new project that has been set up to provide supported training and employment opportunities for learning disabled people. 

 During her visit, Maria had the opportunity to meet some of the students with learning disabilities working in the kitchen and as waiting staff, as well as a number of volunteers. She also met three of the trustees of the project, which is a charitable trust, and heard more from them about how the project operates. As Minister for Disabled People, as well as the local MP, Maria was particularly interested to hear how the students were able to use their personalised budgets to be supported in their roles at the Cafe Project, to help them gain qualifications and work experience.

 Maria said: “I was very pleased to call in at the Dome, and see what the Cafe Project is all about. They have done a fantastic job with refurbishing the Dome and the Cafe is a really bright and welcoming place.  I very much hope that local residents will support it so that its important work can continue.”