A HORSFORTH cafe which provides opportunities and jobs for people with learning disabilities has won high praise from a visiting politician.

The Courtyard Cafe was visited by Kate Green, Shadow Minister for Disabled People, who toured the premises with Labour Parliamentary Candidate for the area Jamie Hanley.

Many of the staff at the Courtyard Café have a learning disability and use the supportive environment to learn new skills, as well as gaining work experience.

During her visit on Monday Kate Green said: “The Courtyard Café is an exemplary model of inclusion and the work done there in assisting people with learning disabilities to develop independence and job skills is fantastic.

“It was a pleasure to hear how, since opening in 2012, everyone at the café has worked with the local community to break down barriers around disability and challenge negative perceptions.

“Thank you to everyone at the café for their time today, it was a pleasure to meet and talk to so many people.”

Mr Hanley added: “I greatly admire the work of the Courtyard Café and it was a pleasure to go back there today and introduce everyone to the Shadow Minister for Disabled people.

“This café makes a massive difference to the lives of many people with a learning disability who are involved in every aspect of the work there from making the food to taking orders.

“It is an extremely positive environment, and I look forward to returning very soon.”

The cafe is run by the social care services provider Creative Support, which was also visited by the shadow minister.

Mik Pannett, Creative Support Manager, said: “The Courtyard café and creativities were pleased to receive a visit from Katie Green this afternoon.

“She was interested in what we do and spent time chatting to the people who come to learn skills.”

Mr Hanley also joined in with Gameblast15 on Saturday at the William Merritt Disabled Living Centre in Leeds. Gameblast15 is a 24-hour game-a-thon by people with physical disabilities who were raising money for Special Effect, a charity that helps people with disabilities enjoy computer games.