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Chopstix and Mencap partner to open jobs for people with a learning disability

Jon Sparkes OBE said: “This initiative will help to raise awareness of the work we do at Mencap, along with building meaningful career paths for a pool of new talent."

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Illuminated signage for Chopstix Noodle Bar featuring the logo with crossed chopsticks. A popular Asian fast food chain restaurant entrance in a shopping mall. London, UK, 17 February 2024
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Chopstix has started a new national partnership with Mencap to help get more people with a learning disability into work. 

The partnership will include fundraising and support for people with a learning disability to find work. 

There will also be a volunteer to work scheme. 

This will see Mencap provide a caseworker in 10 of its charity shops to give volunteers tailored coaching and support. 

The aim is to help them build confidence and work skills, with clear routes into paid work, including at Chopstix restaurants.

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The partnership will also help Mencap deliver information, advice and campaign for equality, supporting 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK. 

Jaime Traynor, safeguarding and fundraising consultant at JDT Consultancy and Training Ltd, is leading this partnership with both the Chopstix executive and Chopstix junior board.

Tricia Hamilton, people director at Chopstix, said: “This project is personal for me. Like so many of us at Chopstix, especially our CEO Jon and founders Menashe and Sam – lives have been touched by people with a learning disability. 

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“For me, to have Jon, Menashe and Sam leading the way and championing us to explore this, shows the beating heart we have here at Chopstix.

“Over the past year, we’ve been running our Supported Internship Programme and it’s worked.”

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Hamilton added: “We’ve seen real success stories, and it’s opened up opportunities for us to do more as a business, such as, raise funds, educate and build the skillset of our teams, while opening the door for people who need the opportunity and supporting them through the process. It’s been hugely rewarding.

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“Now we’re doubling down with Mencap. Together, we’ll keep helping those who can work into meaningful, relevant roles, and through fundraising we’ll create support for those who cannot work, so no one is left behind. 

“This isn’t just for young people; it’s for people of all ages with a learning disability.”

Jon Sparkes OBE, CEO at Mencap said: “We’re delighted to announce this partnership with Chopstix, which will see the creation of many potential new roles for people with a learning disability. 

“This initiative will help to raise awareness of the work we do at Mencap, along with building meaningful career paths for a pool of new talent. 

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“We hope that this partnership will encourage employers to think about opening the door to new opportunities for the 900,000 working age people with a learning disability in the UK.”

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