The cafe has partnered with disability service providers OAK Training and Development and Possibility for a new training initiative giving young people living with a disability a pathway into employment. 

The program trains participants with real-world work skills and develops their confidence as a means to developing independence and finding employment.

Chloe Hansson is taking part in the two-year program and has been working at Cafe Next Door on Wednesdays for five weeks. She will soon start a second day of work on Thursdays. 

Her mother said the increase in confidence has extended beyond the cafe to the rest of Chloes’ life. 

“It’s increased her confidence 10 fold, on Wednesdays she is up, dressed, organised and ready to go for the cafe before any of us,” Mrs Hansson said. 

“The sense of self worth and confidence and the success; she’s feeling so good about herself because she's so successful.”

OAK Training and Development manager Graeme Finlayson said, “It’s about finding their strengths, then building on those.”

Cafe Next Door owner Brett Mitchell is delighted to see the change in his new workers. 

“I get a reward every day from watching these guys achieve something that's probably out of their comfort zone, but it's becoming their comfort zone,” he said. 

“These guys are just amazing to work with.”

The transition to work program allows participants the chance to receive accreditation for the training they undertake at the cafe and, it is hoped, will show the contribution people living with a disability can make to a workplace. 

Mr Mitchell said the response from the customers is “magic”.

“The more people who are aware of the interaction the better and easier it is going to be for any of these guys to go out and find a job in the future, if that's what they want,” he said. 

The Cafe Next Door is in the CD Centre on Reuben Court, Kings Meadows.