News / disability
Government minister visits unique Bristol bakery
A government minister has visited a unique bakery in south Bristol.
Tom Pursglove, the minister for disabled people, health and work, visited Step and Stone on Monday.
The bakery, which is part of The Park Centre in Knowle West, has a team of young adults with learning disabilities who produce biscotti and lavosh.
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The products they make are sold at high-end farm shops and delis.
During his visit, the disability minister said organisations like Step and Stone are the bedrock of helping and supporting people into work.
He told Bristol24/7: “The friendships that we see displayed here are lovely, the commitment going into producing these products is second to none, and I just think that adds such value in terms of the day-to-day lives of disabled people”.
Disability minster Tom Pursglove met Step and Stone co-founders Jane Kippax and Jane Chong on Monday – photo: DWP
Step and Stone was co-founded by Jane Kippax and Jane Chong – both of whom have a child with Down’s syndrome.
They say they started the social enterprise in 2016 due to a lack of opportunities for young adults with learning disabilities.
“We pride ourselves on really listening to what our trainees want and responding to that if we can,” said Kippax.
“We are delighted to have found paid employment for ten of our trainees so far and voluntary opportunities for another five,” added Chong.
The minister had an attempt at making lavosh during his visit to the bakery – photo: Charlie Watts
As well as baking, Step and Stone has a social aspect – with a Christmas party held recently and a weekend away planned for next year.
Only 5% of people with learning disabilities are in paid work, so Step and Stone also want to show what disabled young people are capable of.
Director of operations Michelle Russell explained: “They’re part of our society and they should be integrated in our society.
“Our young people have so much to offer in the workplace, and it’s really important that they’re given that opportunity and chance.”
Charlie Watts is reporting on Knowle West as part of Bristol24/7’s community reporter scheme, a project which aims to tell stories from areas of Bristol traditionally under-served by the mainstream media
Main photo: DWP
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