1Can you explain your role in one sentence?I support people with learning disabilities to develop the skills to work in the hospitality industry. Our team at LDN Eats is made up of people with learning disabilities, and we do on-the-job training and cater for events.

1Did you find yourself in this role by accident or design and how long have you been doing it?By accident. I was looking for a new role, and the agency LDN London was working with thought I’d be a good fit. I came from an operations background in schools, including special needs schools, as well as being a chef at the Notting Hill Carnival. They asked if I’d be interested in getting into the hospitality industry for people with special needs. Although I didn’t think I’d come into this sector, I’m glad I did.

1What’s the best part about your role?I love supporting people who are keen to get into the hospitality industry to find a permanent position. I also enjoy building people’s confidence and bringing out their best. Of course, in the hospitality industry, having a sense of confidence is key. But a lot of people don’t have the patience to teach people - especially people with learning disabilities.

1What’s the most challenging part of your role?At the end of the day when it comes to washing up! Maybe people can relate to that… Also, adapting to everyone’s different learning abilities. We have eleven staff, eleven different learning abilities, and eleven different personalities. It’s important to adapt to each person’s style of working.

1What type of feedback have you received from clients?People say we’ve got a bit of a wow factor. They take their hat off to what we’re trying to achieve. They compliment the team, how they conduct themselves, and how they interact with customers. And they say how good the food is. Many people don’t realise that disability can be hidden and they can be astonished by the team’s work.

1What next for LDN Eats and what are you most excited about?We’d love to keep growing as an events team and then one day have our own local high street coffee shop or even a restaurant. Maybe even a chain of them. Then to also encourage others to give more opportunities to people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent individuals. We want every workplace to give people the chance they deserve.

1What do you like most about the local area?The togetherness and how people often work together in the community. We are lucky to have a number of fantastic partnerships. That’s part of what we try to do with LDN Eats, bring people together - creating connection and inclusion. I also love the diversity and all the initiatives that bring people together and show off different cultures and communities.

1What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?I love travelling, going out to different restaurants and trying lots of cuisines. And also, quality family time.

1If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?Thailand or Bali. I’ve never been to either. I’d like to see the culture and eat lots of the food. Plus, spend a lot of time on the beach. That’s my therapy.

1Who is your hero and why?My parents. They gave me the belief and willpower to go into the catering industry. Most of my family work in music. I decided to do something totally different. When I was in high school, I remember a parent’s evening where my teacher told me, ‘You’ll never be able to do food technology’. My parents gave me the push and the willpower to believe that I could do it. I didn’t listen to that teacher. And look where I am today!