Milehouse Takeover

At Caudwell Children, we believe in empowering neurodivergent young people to reach their full potential. Recently, we had the privilege of hosting a ground-breaking event at The Milehouse Bar & Grill as part of our Shaping Futures Programme. This innovative programme aims to improve employability and life skills for neurodivergent individuals aged 16-25, preparing them for their next steps—whether it’s securing full-time employment, gaining valuable work experience, or engaging in voluntary roles.

Developing New Skills and Confidence

The Milehouse Takeover was managed by neurodivergent Level 1 Hospitality and Catering students from Martec Training. These young people had spent eight weeks developing their skills, and this event provided the perfect opportunity to showcase their progress.
The students were responsible for running the lunch service with support and mentoring from The Milehouse team, taking on roles ranging from kitchen staff to hosts and servers. They provided a seamless dining experience for a variety of local businesses in attendance. The event was not just about serving food—it was a celebration of the students’ newfound confidence and capabilities.

The Power of Preparation

Throughout the Shaping Futures Programme, our students engaged in a range of hands-on learning experiences, including role-playing exercises, customer service training, and lessons in navigating real-world challenges. This preparation led them to the Milehouse Takeover, where they applied their skills in a live setting.

Nicola Stanway, Employability Manager at Caudwell Children, shared her pride in the students’ achievements:

“I’m incredibly proud of what these young people have achieved. Many of them started the programme feeling anxious, but today they stood tall with confidence. Luke, one of our kitchen staff, had never even been inside a restaurant before, let alone worked in one. Their growth has been extraordinary.”

Neurodiversity in the workplace

The need for programmes like Shaping Futures is more urgent than ever. According to the Buckland Review of Autism Employment, only 3 in 10 autistic people of working age are in employment. This leaves a significant portion of the population unable to access the independence and fulfilment that work can provide. Since its launch, Shaping Futures has already helped 75% of participants transition into positive destinations, including employment, further education, and volunteer work.

James, Operations Manager at The Grill Pub Co, who worked closely with the students during the Milehouse Takeover, commented on their development:

“The students showed incredible development in such a short time, going from nervous beginners to delivering a professional lunch service. It’s been a phenomenal experience for both the students and our team at The Milehouse.”

Student Voices: Lexi’s Journey

Lexi, one of the students who worked front-of-house during the event, shared how the programme has impacted her:

“Shaping Futures has helped me understand what I want to do in the future and what I need to do to get there. I have really enjoyed talking to the customers; they were really friendly and have made me feel more confident in myself.”

Local Businesses Come Together

The event was a great opportunity for local businesses to network and learn more about neurodiversity. Over 20 local companies, including Michelin Tyres, Trentham Foods, Halcion, Knights Solicitors, and Plinkfizz, attended the lunch.

Guests enjoyed a two-course meal while engaging with like-minded professionals and hearing about the impact of Shaping Futures. Clare Wherton, SME Partnerships Manager at Caudwell Children, highlighted the importance of the event:

“It was a great networking opportunity that brought local companies together and provided valuable insights into what Caudwell Children’s Charity offers to neurodivergent children and young adults. The impact of the event was truly impressive.”

Local Businesses Come Together

Attendees Feedback

The event drew praise from attendees, including Rob Hewitt from Michelin Tyres:

“I think Shaping Futures is a great idea, the programme encourages young people by supporting them into work. It’s a really proactive approach and needs to be supported by many businesses. I’ve learnt so much but also, I’ve experienced a great day of networking with some lovely food.”

Sonya Farrall from BabaBaboon, a company that supports local businesses with PR services, was equally impressed:

“Hearing the stories of how the young people got here today is amazing and I think more businesses should be getting involved with programmes like Shaping Futures. The atmosphere here today was great, and the food was delicious.”

Raising Funds for Caudwell Children

The event concluded with a raffle that included prizes like Stoke City tickets, a chocolate hamper from Danny’s Chocolates UK, and two £50 Milehouse Vouchers. All proceeds from the raffle will go directly towards supporting disabled and autistic children through Caudwell Children.

Looking Ahead

The Milehouse Takeover was a shining example of what can be achieved when young neurodivergent individuals are given the opportunity to grow and succeed. For us at Caudwell Children, the event was a testament to the hard work and potential of these amazing young people.

If you’d like to learn more about the Shaping Futures Programme or how you can support Caudwell Children’s work, click here. Together, we can continue shaping brighter futures for neurodivergent young people.