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A tearoom run by a social enterprise offering opportunities to islanders with learning disabilities and autism has been forced to close its doors due to financial difficulties.
Beresford Street Kitchen's La Hougue Bie Tea Rooms will be closing in November after what CEO Gabby Elmers described as a "great four-year partnership with Jersey Heritage".
"Like many charities, Beresford Street Kitchen has been significantly impacted by increased costs and reduced funding," she explained.
"We are also struggling with the rising cost of sales and reducing profits in our social enterprise areas and have taken the decision to close La Hougue Bie Tea Rooms ahead of the winter low season."
However, she said that changes to the team had allowed for all crew and staff to be able to return to BSK's main premises following the closure later this year.
Pictured: BSK's CEO said closing La Hougue Bie Tea Rooms "aims to contribute to the sustainability of the charity".
BSK's flagship café was first set up in 2017 with an aim of creating a more inclusive workforce and addressing the lack of opportunities for autistic islanders and those with other learning disabilities.
Crew members benefit from a training programme involving paid work experience which can lead to a two-year fixed-term contract before being supported in transitioning to a new job. Those who have gone through the scheme have reported a 95% reduction in sometimes or often feeling lonely, and a 21% increase in life satisfaction.
More than 30 people are currently on the waiting list to join.
"We remain committed to our mission and will continue to provide over 40,000 hours a year of education, training and employment for the 63 crew on our programmes. We will be focusing on our core objectives and on reinvigorating the town café. The decision to close La Hougue Bie Tea Rooms aims to contribute to the sustainability of the charity," Ms Elmers added.
"We are optimistic that once we navigate through these challenging times, we can continue to develop our valuable programmes to support people with learning disabilities and/or autistic people to reach their independence and employability goals."
Ahead of the closure, she urged islanders to continue their support for the charity by visiting La Hougue Bie a final time, popping into their main premises in town or by using its catering and printing services.
Click here to make a donation to BSK.
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