Video: The craft shop, in Sherwood, opened in May.
A craft shop has opened in Nottingham teaching people with autism and learning disabilities important employment skills to work in retail.
Space Inclusive is an East Midlands organisation working with young adults with autism and special needs to enhance their employment, social and living skills.
The organisation has been running for seven years and opened the shop, Spacecraft, based in Hucknall Road, Sherwood, on May 19.
Workers have learned how to operate the till, handle money, stock check and make the products on sale.
The shop sells a range of craft products such as candles and cushions.
Stella Dowbenko, the shop’s manager, said: “The guys need to be here on time and get the shop to a certain standard ready to serve customers, and fulfil the stock demands as well.
“It gives them routine, some purpose, it allows them to socialise with other people, people with learning disabilities and people without them. It also gives them independence and responsibility.”
The young people, aged 18-plus, pay for the service which supports them after they leave college and school.
Stella added: “People with learning disabilities and autism can be quite isolated from a young age. It becomes apparent as a young adult.
“Our guys can be excluded from society unfortunately. We see it a lot in work placements and skills for employment to get a job are really important.”
Space Inclusive also teaches them how to cook and live independently at their homes.
Tashan Hall, 27, has autism and has been working with Space Inclusive for the last few years.
He said: “Before I came here. I used to go to two other day centres before, although I didn’t really enjoy them very much. Space Inclusive actually does activities I like doing.
“The people who go there are more like me. I’ve learnt lots of cooking skills so far; I’ve learnt how to cook new things and I’ve been trying to do it at home as well. I’ve done some art but that really wasn’t my thing. It’s helped me do things more independently.”
Natasha Dawes, 25, who has a mild learning disability, said: “I really enjoy it and I’ve made lot of friends. I’ve learnt lots of skills like travel training, learning how to travel home.
“I travel home by getting the bus. I really like being on the bus. Space Inclusive has really helped me with my confidence. Before I came here I was really shy.”
