Carey is a SWALLOW member who trains at their Community Cafe in Radstock. In 2024 they supported him to get his first paid job, at The Soap Bar Café, at our HQ in Clutton. SWALLOW caught up with him to find out about his experience and what he is enjoying most about working life.
How long had you trained at the SWALLOW Café before you got your job at The Somerset Toiletry Company Soap Bar Café?
I joined the SWALLOW Cafe during Covid when everyone started to take their masks off, so I had been training there for about two years before I got my job.
How did you get your job at the Soap Bar Café, who supported you to get it and learn about your new role?
Sammie [SWALLOW Cafe Support Worker] gave Claire [SWALLOW Employment Support Co-ordinator] the idea when The Somerset Toiletry Company became Corporate Friends of SWALLOW. They were looking for people to employ and Sammie from SWALLOW recommended me.
What do you like best about working at the Soap Bar Café?
I get to do the coffees, that’s one thing I do enjoy the most. Also I get to work with customers.
Is this your first regular paid job?
Yes, I believe SWALLOW’s role is to get people independent with work.
If so, how do you feel about that?
I would say it's good having different experiences, but also I haven’t had too much stress with it. I did have a couple of things that went wrong but I’ve got a great boss there and it’s always nice to see them. They are the nicest people I’ve met I reckon: Sakina and Zantore.
Do you have any challenges and how do you overcome them? Who helps you?
Customers, orders and the till can sometimes be challenging. My Manager helps me. When I struggle they tell me to go out into the kitchen and deal with things in there. I am working on this at The Somerset Toiletry Company and at SWALLOW Café.
How was your professional barista training?
I went into Bristol for that. I can do up to 4 different patterns of coffee art! Steaming the milk correctly, pour in the precise way. It’s all to do with the wrist. I enjoyed it.
Do you have any advice for other SWALLOW members who are looking for work or local companies who might employ SWALLOW members?
To SWALLOW members: Be yourself, always try to ask for help when you need it. Try to be steady, not rush things.
To companies: Have understanding & patience.
What would you like to say to The Somerset Toiletry Company?
A big thank you for having me and to the team for being so kind and supportive. Couldn’t have any better people to work with – with everyone there.
Can you donate to SWALLOW Charity to help them support more people realise their dreams of employment? Simply click here - thank you.