Trainee Stories

We strongly believe adults with disabilities, neurodivergences, or mental health conditions have the right to feel included and valued in society. Learn more about some of our trainees and what they have to say about their journey with The CRUMBS Project.

Crumbs trainee Krystal

Krystal

Krystal has learning disabilities. She is interested in a career in Housekeeping and came to The CRUMBS Project to broaden her skill set and employability with the aim of securing paid work. Krystal has excelled through her training, completing a Certificate in Housekeeping endorsed by the Institute of Hospitality.

Krystal was the first trainee to complete a programme of 9 training units specifically designed for adults with learning disabilities to access and improve their digital skills and was awarded a Certificate in Digital Skills. She was also celebrated at The CRUMBS Project’s annual awards event as ‘Trainee of the Year 2024’.

Through the PATHS employability programme, Krystal gained voluntary work experience with Care South. So impressed by her work ethic and commitment, Krystal gained her first paid job as a Housekeeper in 2024.

Start quote Crumbs is a friendly place and I’ve been happy to be here. I’m very pleased to get paid employment which will help me to afford hobbies and be social with others. I’ll be more independent, confident, and happy having an active work-life balance. End quote

Luke

Luke is neurodivergent. He has great determination to progress and develop as a person. Through our ‘PATHS’ employability programme Luke has completed a work placement with Rick Stein Restaurants. He has been able to build his confidence and prove how he can adapt to working in an industry leading professional environment.

So impressed by his professionalism and work ethic, Luke has gained his first paid job as front of house with Rick Stein Sandbanks Restaurant.

Start quoteCrumbs has done a lot to help me to achieve my ambitions. The support, praise, and recognition has really given me a boost. Crumbs has felt like a second home to me. It has changed my life. End quote

CRUMBS trainee Luke at work in Rick Stein's restaurant
CRUMBS trainee Sarah

Sarah

Sarah has a learning disability. After finding herself living alone in the family home, she joined The CRUMBS Project to learn how to take care of herself and be more independent.

Sarah has benefited from following a structured programme of training units. She can now shop on a budget, prepare meals for herself, safely clean, and look after her own home. She uses the digital skills she has learnt to keep in touch with her family and friends which helps her social connections.

Sarah now has paid employment. She also volunteers with us to share her learning experiences to support other trainees.

Start quote I’ve learnt so many new skills and am now able to look after myself. I enjoy sharing what I’ve learnt with others. Crumbs is a supportive place and the staff are really friendly. End quote

Mark

Mark has Down’s Syndrome and a learning disability. He is interested in cooking and preparing his own meals. He has joined The CRUMBS Project to learn new skills and be more independent.

Mark enjoys working in the kitchen, bakery, and computer room alongside other trainees. Training with us means he has valuable social contact and follows a structured routine with meaningful activity.

Mark is now cooking at home and is looking after himself more. He has started to develop digital skills to help him to use his voice and make decisions for himself.

Start quoteI love it at Crumbs! I’ve realised how much I can do. I can cook some really tasty things by myself now. I feel a lot more confident and have made some nice friends here. End quote

CRUMBS trainee Mark
CRUMBS trainee Hannah

Hannah

Hannah has a delayed neurological development disorder. She has a friendly and outgoing personality. She joined The CRUMBS Project to help her to overcome obstacles and develop skills for employment.

Hannah has worked through Food Production & Service training units and has been part of our ‘PATHS’ employability programme. Alongside voluntary work, she has trained in customer service along with improving her communication and listening skills.

At the end of her training Hannah has moved into part-time paid employment.

Start quote Crumbs is a friendly and safe environment and the staff made me feel welcome. I have gained so many skills and changed so much through being at Crumbs. I’ve really built my confidence up. End quote

Matthew

Matthew is neurodivergent. He has always been interested in cooking and baking. He joined The CRUMBS Project to learn a variety of cooking and baking techniques and to help him to prepare to get a job.

Matthew has successfully gained a Certificate in Food Production & Service. He has been part of our PATHS employability programme and has developed customer service and employment skills.

Matthew was The CRUMBS Project’s ’Trainee of the Year’ and received the Destination Management Board ‘Tony Williams Young Innovator Award 2022’. He is now in paid employment.

Start quote I really grew as a person at Crumbs and enjoyed learning something new every day. I now feel I’m worth something and I’ve learnt to look after myself. End quote

CRUMBS trainee Matthew
30th Anniversary Celebration Party

30th Anniversary Celebration Party

Save the Date: Celebrating 30 Years of The CRUMBS Project

Join us on Saturday 1st August as we celebrate an incredible milestone: 30 years of The CRUMBS Project!

For three decades, The CRUMBS Project has been changing lives, building confidence, and creating opportunities for people across our community. This special anniversary celebration is a chance to come together and recognise everyone who has played a part in our journey. Whether you’re a current or former trainee, volunteer, supporter, partner, funder, staff member, trustee, friend, or advocate of CRUMBS, we’d love you to join us as we reflect on 30 years of achievements and look ahead to an exciting future.

Hosted at the beautiful Marsham Court Hotel, the evening will feature a delicious finger buffet, live music, a DJ, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate all that we’ve achieved together.

Save the date and be part of this special occasion. Together, let’s honour the people, partnerships, and community spirit that have made The CRUMBS Project what it is today.

🥂 Saturday 1st August
📍 Marsham Court Hotel

More details and ticket information coming soon.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Charity Horse Racing Night

Charity Horse Racing Night
@ Marsham Court

Enter the starting gate for an evening of friendly competition, networking, and fundraising at our Charity Horse Racing Night on 11th February at the Marsham Court Hotel.

Gather colleagues, clients, or business partners for a unique corporate night out featuring exciting races, welcome drinks, delicious charcuterie boards and desserts, and plenty of opportunities to support The CRUMBS Project.

Businesses can take their involvement a step further through our Race Sponsorship Package (£300), which includes naming rights for a race, brand visibility throughout the event, social media recognition, and a VIP table for eight. It’s a fantastic way to showcase your business, engage your team, and demonstrate your commitment to supporting a local charity that helps people gain the skills and confidence to live more independently.

Whether you’re sponsoring a race, booking a table, or attending as an individual, join us for an enjoyable evening that makes a real difference in our community.

Tables of 8: £200 | Individual Tickets: £30
Includes a charitable donation to The CRUMBS Project.

Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Christmas Fair

Christmas Fair

Come and celebrate the start of the festive season with us at The CRUMBS Project. Browse a wonderful selection of stalls from local craftspeople, discover unique Christmas gifts, enjoy seasonal refreshments, and soak up the festive atmosphere with friends, family, and our local community. Don’t miss our annual charity tombola, packed with fantastic prizes and festive surprises, with every ticket helping to support the work of The CRUMBS Project.

Whether you’re ticking off your Christmas shopping list or simply looking for a fun and welcoming festive outing, we’d love to see you there. Join us for an afternoon full of Christmas cheer, community spirit, and seasonal magic!