News > New Impressions Restaurant – Sheppey

New Impressions restaurant to offer supportive training
for young people in Sheppey 07/09/06

The Impressions restaurant opened for business today offering the people of Sheppey a new place to dine out in the evening or enjoy healthy lunches as well as providing training and work experience for the island’s young people.

Situated opposite the Sheppey College, Impressions, run by Casa Support in partnership with Focus to Work, offers a new dining experience for everyone on the Isle of Sheppey and beyond. The lunch menu includes healthy and low–cost options to encourage young people from the College, schools and the local community to enjoy nutritious and delicious meals with their friends and to be able to socialise in a safe and friendly environment.

The difference between Impressions and other restaurants is that Casa Support, who provide housing solutions for disadvantaged young people, the elderly, those with mental or learning disabilities and other vulnerable people, will provide training opportunities and work experience at the restaurant for young people between 16 and 18 who are not currently in education, training or employment through a programme called Starting Out.

Paolo De Paolis, Casa Support's Training and Employment Coordinator, said

“Starting Out is designed to provide a supportive, 20–week, structured programme of practical tasters and work experience for young people. The project will prepare these young people for progression into full–time work or formal education by increasing their self–confidence, esteem and awareness through specifically tailored, individual training and learning opportunities at the restaurant.

Impressions is a resource for the whole community. Not only will it help young people into education and employment, it will also provide a welcome venue for the island’s residents to meet socially and enjoy good quality food at affordable prices, whether during the day or for a special evening out.”

Starting Out participants will be expected to sign–up to the full 20–week programme, working 16 hours per week and will receive an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) of £30 per week on top of any other benefits they may receive.

Those interested in applying to join the Starting Out programme should contact Heather Thomas on 07790775803 or heather.thomas@focustowork.co.uk