TWO future medics are volunteering at a popular Newcastle café to support young people with various disabilities and learning difficulties.
A-Level students Andrew Scott and Molly Hamilton give their time to Gosforth-based Café Beam, which is run by ‘Smile for Life Children’s Charity’ to provide young people with disabilities hands-on work experience preparing food, serving customers and operating tills.
Andrew, who is taking A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Economics with plans to study medicine at university, helps workers to develop key skills such as money handling, and oversees the general running of the café.
The 17-year-old, from Newcastle, explains: “Café Beam gives excellent experience to young adults with various difficulties, that will allow them to live more independently and get jobs in the hospitality sector in the future.
“The charity is relatively small, so there is a great community feel and it’s very rewarding to work with these young adults and see their skills and confidence develop over time. Volunteering supported my university application to study medicine, but I enjoy my time there so much I want to continue working at Café Beam for as long as possible.”
Fellow Sixth Former Molly, who is taking A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths with a view to study medicine, also chose to volunteer at Café Beam.
The Year 13 student, who helps young café workers to take orders and serve customers, says: “It’s such a great opportunity not just as work experience, but to expand my awareness and understanding of working in a team of people with differing needs.
“I think this is a particularly important stepping stone towards medicine as it involves helping and taking responsibility for others, while also improving my communication skills in a work environment.”
Year 12 student Sophie Dargon has also recently signed up to volunteer at Café Beam as part of Dame Allan’s extra-curricular community service programme, which allows pupils to gain experience while giving back to their local community.
Café Beam business coordinator Lauren Patterson says volunteers provide essential support to many young adults in all aspects of café work.
She adds: “It’s so important to us to work with local schools like Dame Allan’s. Café Beam is very much a community café, and as such our volunteers, customers and suppliers are all from the local area.”