Yellow Submarine works with young people and adults who have learning disabilities and/or autism who live in Oxfordshire. The charity delivers a range of projects to reduce loneliness and social isolation, promote individuals’ confidence and mental health, build life-skills and develop independence. Its Traineeship is its life-changing sheltered workplace training programme. This case study illustrates how a very isolated and shy individual grew and blossomed in it.
Jess has been a long-standing member of the Yellow Submarine community, but joining the Traineeship was a significant step that her family describes as "nothing short of transformative."
Initially struggling with communication and mobility barriers, Jess began with supported tasks like stock-taking using visual aids. She gradually progressed to complex responsibilities, including taking orders on the till and serving customers in the café. This structured environment, combined with high professional expectations, allowed Jess to flourish.
Beyond learning technical skills like food hygiene and first aid, Jess became a mentor to new trainees, showing them the ropes and acting as a role model. Her family notes that her independence at home has improved dramatically, sharing: "We’ve realised what Jessica is truly capable of with the right support and the right environment."
The impact of Yellow Submarine’s work was recently showcased to the whole country. On Saturday, their Traineeship programme was featured on ITV’s ‘Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen’ (Series 3, Episode 5), highlighting the incredible skills being developed in their social enterprise cafés.
The Trust is delighted to continue supporting this vital work. Following an inspiring progress report, we have recently released the second installment of our £10,000 grant. This funding supports three graduated life skills and employability projects:
From expanding Reach sessions to capacity for 55 members to trainees producing festive chutneys in the bakery, the project is delivering excellent outcomes for young people across Oxfordshire.
