Chopstix, the UK’s leading Chinese-inspired Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) brand, is proud to announce an exciting new national partnership with learning disability charity Mencap, reinforcing its commitment to supporting people with a learning disability and helping them live life to the full.
Chopstix and Mencap began their relationship over a year ago through a Supported Internship Programme. During this time, Chopstix has helped several young people with a learning disability gain valuable work experience, leading to meaningful career opportunities and fostering inclusion within its teams.
This new partnership will fundraise for vital funds and support people with a learning disability into meaningful employment. Current employment rates for people with a learning disability are very low. Chopstix is working with Mencap to help more people into roles that will enhance their independence and help develop workplace skills.
In addition to The Supported Internship Programme, the partnership will also fund a Volunteer to Work Scheme, supporting Mencap to provide a dedicated caseworker in its charity shops who can provide volunteers with tailored coaching to build confidence and workplace skills. The programme will run across 10 Mencap retail stores helping create clear pathways into paid employment, including opportunities at Chopstix restaurants.
The partnership will also provide support for people with a learning disability by helping Mencap deliver essential services, including information, advice, and campaigning for equality, to help the 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK to live their lives to the fullest.
Jaime Traynor, Safeguarding and Fundraising Consultant at JDT Consultancy and Training Ltd, has been brought on board to facilitate this partnership with both the Chopstix Executive and Chopstix Junior Board.
Tricia Hamilton, People Director at Chopstix, commented “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. 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. 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.
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, Chief Executive at learning disability charity 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. 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.”
