Charity sells new shop vision

DOZENS of people with learning disabilities in Edinburgh are to be trained up by a new charity initiative.

All Together Edinburgh - a charity shop staffed entirely by people with conditions such as autism - will open its first shop later this month on Leith Walk, the first of five planned for the next five years.

The project, the first of its kind in Scotland, will not only see money raised through the traditional charity shop approach, but members of staff trained in retail over the course of a year, complete with a college qualification.

Organisers said they would then be able to seek further employment or education.

Debbie Muir, who founded the charity last year, will open the doors on June 25, and outlined ambitious targets for the future. She said: "The aim is to open five shops over the next five years, I think we have the demand for it.

"We have 14 service users who have been through the training and are ready to start.

"As far as I know this is the first of its kind in Scotland as far as retail goes. There are cafes and bakeries which offer similar things - this is another option for people to build experience."

Ms Muir came up with the idea after working for children's charity Barnardo's for several years. Through contacts, she fixed up placements for people with learning difficulties, and soon appreciated how the concept was mutually beneficial.

"It's win-win," she added. "We find the people through a range of organisations in Edinburgh, and we will provide them with a placement from Monday to Thursday. During the year here they get a portfolio and a qualification from Borders College, which can then act as proof to employers that they are capable of working in a retail environment."

Proceeds from the shop, which will sell a range of items from women's clothes to toys, will go back into the organisation to pay for training and the opening of future stores.

It is also hoped the charity shop will help reduce the stigma faced by people with learning difficulties in society.

Major firms such as Ikea and Waitrose already have policies in place to make sure people with learning disabilities are considered for employment.

And Ms Muir added: "I think if people come into the shop and see someone with learning disabilities carrying out all the normal tasks of running a shop, their views might change somewhat."That's what we need to aim for."

The shop will be officially opened by Evening News columnist and comedienne Susan Morrison on June 25 at 10.30am.

This is the latest scheme to benefit people with learning disabilities and their families in the area.

Yesterday, the Evening News revealed that Britain's first autism gala was to take place at the end of July in Moredun.

Families from as far away as London are expected to attend.