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Bishop Richard visited Team Domenica in Brighton recently and was given a comprehensive tour of the charity's café, administration, and training facilities with Katie (pictured second right). Team Domenica supports young people with learning disabilities to acquire the skills, confidence and independence they need to gain paid employment, reach their full potential and thrive as members of society.

The number of people with learning disabilities in paid employment continues to decline in England, and currently stands at just 4.8% (NHS Digital, 2023). Team Domenica is working hard to change this, with 80% of the charity's young people (called "candidates") gaining paid work through their Supported Internship Programme, which provides candidates with vital skills through their training cafés and work placements.

The charity works in close collaboration with 60 partner employers across Sussex, with successful work placements across the hospitality sector. In addition to creating supported employment opportunities, the TD team also hope to change broader perceptions of people with learning disabilities "demonstrating candidates’ talents and personalities, and highlighting the benefits of a more inclusive society." You can find out more about the work and mission of Team Domenica on their website.