the graduate

Tonight D and Joe came with me to The Usual Place for the 2022 Graduation Ceremony. Young people and staff were presented with their certificates for an SVQ in Hospitality or Professional Cookery, and each graduate was given the chance to say a few words to the audience.

I found the evening very moving - young people with additional support needs who never gained any qualifications at school were up on stage, talking in a positive way about their achievements. Some of these graduates are now in paid employment, and one young man told us (by video link, because he was too busy to attend) that he had a mortgage and was planning to get married in 2024.

It was lovely to meet up again with past  trainees, and to see families and friends there to support and to cheer them on.

I'll be back at the cafe to work in the morning - and this is why I do it.

Can you spot official photographer SkyAboveMe1 at bottom left of this photo?