The CIC exists to create meaningful opportunities for young disabled people as they transition from education into adulthood. Through an inclusive cafe experience, creative workshops and social enterprise activities, the organisation provides practical work experience, volunteering opportunities, skills development and pathways towards employment while promoting confidence, independence and social inclusion. During the financial year, we delivered a range of community-focused activities that benefited young disabled people, their families and the wider community. The company provided supported volunteering and work experience opportunities, enabling young disabled people to develop practical skills in hospitality, customer service, retail and woodworking. These opportunities increased participants' confidence, independence and employability while providing valuable experience in real working environments. We delivered a series of successful pop up cafes and community events in partnership with Kingspark School, local charities, community organisations and businesses. These events gave participants meaningful employment experience while demonstrating the value of inclusive workplaces to the wider community. Regular creative workshops were delivered at Rockwell Learning Centre, bringing together school pupils and post school young adults to design and produce handcrafted wooden products. Participants learned to use woodworking tools and equipment safely under the guidance of experienced staff and volunteers, developing practical, creative and teamwork skills. Pupils from Kingspark School were supported to design, create and sell handmade products at pop up cafes, providing experience in product development, customer service, sales and enterprise. Participants also sold plants they had grown and cared for through a partnership with the Horticulture Department at Dundee and Angus College, further developing practical skills, confidence and community engagement. The company worked collaboratively with Kingspark School, Dundee and Angus College, Rockwell Learning Centre and local charities to strengthen transition opportunities for school leavers and improve access to volunteering, training and inclusive employment opportunities. Throughout the year, Crafty and Bean CIC also raised awareness of the barriers disabled people face in accessing employment. Through partnership working, public events and community engagement, the organisation promoted the benefits of inclusive employment and demonstrated the positive contribution disabled people make within their communities. These activities have helped improve confidence, practical skills, social participation and employment readiness for young disabled people while strengthening partnerships between education providers, charities, local businesses and the wider community. They have also created opportunities for local residents to engage with an inclusive social enterprise, helping to reduce stigma, strengthen community connections and promote a more inclusive society. We continue to work towards our long term vision of establishing a permanent, fully accessible community cafe and creative workspace where disabled people can access sustainable employment, accredited training and lifelong opportunities to participate, contribute and thrive within their community.

The key stakeholders include young disabled people, their families, guardians and carers, local schools, Dundee and Angus College, Rockwell Learning Centre, volunteers, community organisations and the wider community. Throughout the financial year, we have engaged with stakeholders through regular meetings, partnership working, pop up cafes and ongoing conversations with participants, families, customers and volunteers. Regular consultation with young people and their families has directly influenced the development of our supported volunteering opportunities and activities. Working closely with Kingspark School and the school's Transition Officer has provided valuable insight into the needs of young people leaving education, enabling us to develop meaningful work experience placements and transition support. By listening to the young people, encouraging their feedback and understanding the barriers they face, we have been able to adapt our activities to build practical skills, confidence, independence and employability. We remain committed to ensuring that the voices of young disabled people, their families and the wider community continue to shape the organisation's development, ensuring our activities remain inclusive, responsive and community led.

£6357 paid to project lead

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration