Halifax RUFC have teamed up with Access Hospitality to set a new bar for inclusive clubs. The project started because Sam, one of the founding Magpies Mixed Ability players, wanted to work behind the club bar. It wasn't known if this would be possible but the team set about looking at the barriers and to see if they could reduce or remove these to make it possible. They felt the mixed ability movement should be much more than just the opportunity to play sport in mainstream community settings but to be the catalyst to allow community hubs to become truly inclusive in their approach.
Access Hospitality is a Community Interest Company by Guarantee. Their purpose is to transform lives through fulfilling employment. They seek to enable adults with learning disabilities and Autism to gain employment in public facing hospitality roles. They have 3 main strands to their business: Recruitment and training Assistive technology Business Solutions They also have a development strand around a franchise model of mobile vocational training carts and mobile hospitality carts.
Whilst Covid restrictions meant that progress around the bar work was restricted, the hospitality cart was out and about at a number of events in 2021. Last summer, at Ilkley Lawn Tennis Club, Justin Tomlinson,the then mister for disabled people, health and work enjoyed a hot beverage and got to hear all about current progress an future plans.
Access Hospitality current use the club as a base Mon – Wed, 09.30 – 14.30, to conduct training. The trainees also have the opportunity to work live shifts with the support of Club Bar Staff or one of the other Job Coaches. The plan is that with this support, these trainees will secure work in other community bars/clubs/cafes over the next few months.
To find out more about this fantastic venture - check out their video https://vimeo.com/663645751/f734557a7e
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