Café Cosgrove at 16 Skirving Street, is one of the newest parts of the Shawlands café culture.

But the recently opened internet café, sandwich bar and music buyers’ market stall, has more to it than just a good cup of coffee.
The café/shop is a busy working hub for Cosgrove Care charity’s Supported Employment Programmes. Under co-ordinator Derek Brown, people with learning disabilities gain confidence and the skills needed in the labour market through working in the café and learning how the charity’s shops operate.

William Goldberg,  Cosgrove Care’s full-time driver who delivers some of the items purchased in the Café or in the adjacent Cosgrove bric-a-brac and linen shops, is full of praise for the Cosgrove programme. ‘I’ve been working full-time here for six years,’ said William who is 51. After a wide variety of jobs his nerves were shattered. ‘I’ve calmed down and achieved my SVG Level 2 in Customer Services,’ he remarked.

Assistant shop manager, Barry David Vallance, 42, has been involved with Cosgrove Care and their mental handicap programme since his teens. ‘Cosgrove is like a second family to me. They supported me over the learning difficulties I had and helped me to manage my finances, booking holidays and going to the cinema or shops.’

Founded to support people in the Jewish community, the charity now offers help to anyone living in Glasgow and beyond. Added Barry, ‘I’ve attained my SVQ Level 3 in Customer Service.’ He took day release classes in maths and English at Reid Kerr College and won the Daily Record-Sunday Mail’s modern apprentice of the year 2003. ‘That felt fantastic,’ said Barry. ‘People in Cosgrove know how to help you. We have a laugh and a joke with the workers, volunteers and regular shoppers.

Cosgrove clients don’t want the hustle and bustle of city centre shops. Without Cosgrove Care, I would be sitting at home with no life and driving my parents up the wall. As it is, I’m working in a pleasant place, and enjoying my own flat.’

In association with Cardonald College, Reid Kerr College, the Nautical College, Thornliebank Resource Centre and Volunteer Action, Cosgrove delivers a variety of courses tailored to suit each client’s needs. ‘Explained Derek, the co-ordinator, ‘Over the years we have placed 25 people in jobs and five of them took the year-long SVQ course. These programmes are great projects for companies taking their Corporate Social Responsibility seriously.’ Further information from www.cosgrove.co.uk.