About Us
James
Simon
Simon
James has over 25 years’ experience in the hospitality industry . This includes owning and running social enterprise cafes and learning disability services as well as successful restaurants in and across the West Yorkshire region. He is a fully qualified chef . He has extensive experience in the education and development of adults with l
James has over 25 years’ experience in the hospitality industry . This includes owning and running social enterprise cafes and learning disability services as well as successful restaurants in and across the West Yorkshire region. He is a fully qualified chef . He has extensive experience in the education and development of adults with learning difficulty and vulnerable young adults. In addition to this he has a track record of managing and supporting skill development with these clients, many of whom progress and flourish and have moved forward into employment.
Simon
Simon
Simon
Starting out in hospitality, Simon moved into retail and ultimately into sales account management. After twenty years he set up his own business representing international factories supplying bespoke products to major British retailers. Simon is a people person and through involvement as a welfare officer at his local tennis club,
Starting out in hospitality, Simon moved into retail and ultimately into sales account management. After twenty years he set up his own business representing international factories supplying bespoke products to major British retailers. Simon is a people person and through involvement as a welfare officer at his local tennis club, has engaged in training and working with adults and children in a volunteer position. This led to further education by distance learning to build upon his experience of safeguarding and working with adults with learning disabilities. Simon brings enthusiasm, confidence and a strong desire to make a positive difference plus cooking experience picked up over 20 years.
Our Goals for Skills Kitchen
Our Mission
- Making the steps towards independence accessible by teaching healthy home cooking skills to adults with learning difficulties & autism in a stimulating, rewarding, safe and structured environment.
- Enabling individuals to plan responsibly, prepare with love and budget within their means.
- By cooking and eating together we're learning & practising social skills, encouraging a sense of equality , independence, caring and self-respect through preparing and sharing food.
Our Vision
- Providing training and development to promote welfare independence and transferable skills to adults with learning disabilities.
- Supporting our trainees to develop the tools to be able to participate further within society and community, whilst enriching their own life and those around them.
Skills Kitchen
Learning and development of life skills to facilitate independence are at the forefront of the entire program. We cannot emphasise enough that the focus of our program is to enrich lives, offer new opportunities and hopefully for all to enjoy their time at the Skills Kitchen.
Both trainers are passionate to deliver a service that will be both educational and enjoyable for all involved.
Skills Kitchen's mission is to encourage independence & improve the long term self esteem and quality of life of our learners.
