Brewing up a strong blend of skills
A grant of £18,980 from The Bairdwatson Charitable Trust supports young people to develop skills in hospitality.
Clay Community Church is a non-denominational church based in Possilpark. It works closely with the local community, providing opportunities for people of all ages to take part in activities and projects that build skills, confidence, and social connections. Members contribute to wider community initiatives, volunteering with local organisations and supporting neighbourhood projects. The church also collaborates with partners, including Bethany Christian Church, to offer recovery support, mental health programmes, and practical assistance to those experiencing homelessness. It provides a welcoming space where people can connect, learn, and contribute to the life of the local area.
With a grant of £18,980, Clay Community Church continued funding the Youth Placement Co-ordinator at the Clay Community Café for one year. The role supports young people in S4-S6 to develop skills in hospitality, gain practical work experience, and achieve qualifications in barista skills and food handling. The café opened in 2021 and operates as a training hub and community space, welcoming local residents to provide a warm space and reduce social isolation, while also offering young people structured, supported work placements.
During the year, the funding allowed the Work Placement Facilitator role to increase from two to three days per week. This additional staff time enabled more one-to-one support, expanded outreach, and professionalised operations. This enabled young people to work more independently, thanks to simplified kitchen workflows and accessible resources, and more participants were able to engage in placements simultaneously. The project also strengthened its referral networks with other youth organisations, ensuring a steady flow of participants. Young people who had previously struggled with confidence, social anxiety, or feelings of being unemployable gained soft skills, vocational literacy, and work experience in a safe environment.
The project exceeded expectations, supporting 33 young people over the year, above the original target of 20.
Many received basic food hygiene certification, internal recognition for achievements, and credible professional references, helping them move towards employment, further study, or volunteering. One participant, 'L', progressed from believing she could never hold a job to gaining paid shifts and building confidence for future work opportunities.
Challenges included barriers to formal accreditation, rising costs, and the realisation that the café cannot be entirely self-funding while maintaining its educational focus. In response, the team is exploring alternative qualifications and positioning the café as a “Social Enterprise Hybrid,” with sales covering operational costs and grants funding training hours.
Alongside employability outcomes, the café has become a hub for social inclusion and community pride. Local residents use the space to reduce isolation, and young people benefit from external recognition through customer feedback and community engagement. The café also strengthens the local support by working closely with other youth organisations and health practitioners. The project will continue, with funding secured until March 2026. The team is pursuing additional grants to maintain the programme and build on the lasting impact of the café as both a training hub and a valued community space.
Project at a glance
- 33 young people participated
- All participants received one-to-one support and guidance
- 100% completed a minimum 12-week work placement
- 100% gained practical café experience
- The majority achieved Food Hygiene Level 2 certification
- The majority progressed to work, further study, or volunteering
Additional Impacts:
- Social inclusion improved
- Community connections strengthened
- Confidence and self-worth increased
- Vocational literacy and soft skills developed
Case Study 1: Growing Confidence
"Over the past year, I have worked with L, a 21-year-old young woman referred to us through a partner organisation that supports young people returning to work. When L first joined our café training program, she was extremely shy, had no confidence and rarely spoke during the day. The referring organisation wasn’t sure how best to engage her, but we were determined to help her find her voice and place within the team. L began by supporting in the kitchen - washing dishes and assisting our head chef. Through consistent one-on-one support, encouragement, and hands-on work experience, we’ve seen her grow remarkably.
Over time, she has developed strong practical skills and now confidently runs the kitchen herself. She supports new trainees, experiments with recipes, and interacts with customers. While L still speaks softly, she now communicates clearly, shows initiative, and demonstrates an excellent work ethic. During a recent catch-up, when asked what she enjoys most about the café, she smiled and said, “the customers.” Seeing her transformation has been incredibly rewarding - from a quiet observer to a capable, confident young woman who takes pride in her work and achievements, including earning her Food & Hygiene qualification."
Case Study 2: The Quiet Joy of Transformation
"As a Youth Placement Facilitator, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing young people transform - not through quick fixes, but through patience, guidance, and the steady presence of encouragement. This past year, I worked with a group of five young people (aged 15-16 years) who had struggled in traditional education settings. One of the main areas we focus on is barista training - teaching them how to use the coffee machine, steam milk for lattes, and craft quality drinks. We do this because these are valuable, transferable skills that can open doors to employment in the hospitality industry.
When the group first arrived, the café was filled with the loud screech of clashing personalities and steam wands used incorrectly - a sound that mirrored their uncertainty and lack of confidence. But with time and support, that noise began to change. As they learned to master the machine, they also developed teamwork, patience and pride in their work. Now, the harsh screech has become a low, steady hum - the sound of milk steamed just right. For me, it’s a symbol of transformation: young lives finding their rhythm, confidence, and purpose - one latte at a time."
Read more about the Bairdwatson Charitable Trust