Submit your email address below to receive email updates from Cumbria24.
Submit your email address below to receive email updates from Cumbria24.
Free 2 hour Workplace Learning Advocates On-Line Course
07791 639 196 | Website
Architectural & Town Planning Consultants
01388 608166 | Website
1&2 Market Arcade to let
017683 51177 | Website
A new café at Workington Community Hospital was officially opened on Friday by Sir Tony Cunningham MP for Workington. Café West is part of West House a voluntary organisation providing opportunities for people with learning disabilities. It provides a friendly environment, fabulous homemade food and quick service for patients, staff and visitors to Workington Community Hospital.
It first opened its doors in April after a winning a competitive tender to provide cafeteria services by Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust which runs the hospital. James Cox, the Director of West House, which also runs a café in Whitehaven said, “Today is a very proud day. People with disabilities need and want to work. Places like this are needed for people to learn skills, gain qualifications and ultimately gain employment. The last bit is always the hardest but we know that they do have the ability and this café about offering people paid work, people are getting paid the going rate.” He also thanked the Café West team for their hard work.
Sarah Jennings and Lisa Murray both from Workington both work in the café between one and three days per week. Sarah said, “I’ve been working in the kitchen prepping the food and serving customers. I’ve enjoyed meeting new people and getting to know the staff and nurses, everyone is very friendly.”
Emma Russell, Locality Manager for Allerdale from Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said that the café had been a very popular addition to the hospital adding, “it’s success is simple - a lovely reception from staff and delicious food.”
Opening the café Sir Tony Cunningham said that it was a “fantastic project" and that he was proud to be associated with it.
The Café is open to patients, staff and visitors, opening hours are 9.30 - 3.30.
Picture shows Left to right staff from Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Michelle Davies and Barbara Southwell both from Support Services and Maureen Goldwater, Matron at Workington Hospital. Sir Tony Cunningham MP, James Cox - Director of West House, and café workers Sarah Jennings and Lisa Murray from Workington.