Galway

<h4>A Meaningful Purpose</h4>
Originally from Kildare, Shane Tuohy followed his west of Ireland roots to become the head of Café Link, a social enterprise providing inclusive employment opportunities to people with an intellectual disability. With his father hailing from Athenry, the call of the west beckoned and he felt a "strong pull" to these shores.&nbsp;
He now lives in <a href="https://xploreapp.io/galway" target="_self">Galway</a> city, and his experience internationally - while working in Canada - has shaped his perspective on providing meaningful job opportunities and training.&nbsp;
Café Link has been operating since 1994 and, what began as a small initiative by a group of dedicated parents, has grown into a thriving social enterprise.

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<h5>Café Link employee Kris Weerakoon pictured with Manager of Link Galway CLG Shane Tuohy at a recent talk at The Portershed on Market Street</h5>
<h4>A Thirty Year Journey</h4>
"The café was set up by a group of parents of adult children with intellectual disabilities back in the early '90s. They came together and established our site on Sandy Road—a training café," Shane explains.
"At its peak, we had three cafés in Galway, one of which was in the University. We still have our current café next to the Shantalla Clinic—a huge café that's incredibly busy!"
Café Link offer wholesome food and fresh baked goods daily to local business and valued customers, whether it's an ongoing arrangement or a one time order for a special event. Thanks to their success, the organisation has grown three-fold since January 2023.
"We're up to around 38 members of staff, including volunteers and scheme staff," Shane says.
"We do rely on social welfare scheme initiatives. We've grown significantly in a short space of time."

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<h4>A Proud Legacy of Empowerment</h4>
The original café on Sandy Road no longer serves the public but now focuses on adult day services and catering skills training. In partnership with GRETB, the organisation will soon offer QQI modules to open more doors for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Galway.The broader social enterprise model plays a crucial role in creating these opportunities.&nbsp;
"We are trying to promote inclusion, which is what it's all about at the end of the day," explains Shane.&nbsp;
“It’s really hard for our group to get a job in the competitive job market. Sometimes, they need an extra bit of support. The best way to do that is through social enterprise, which is why it works so well."&nbsp;

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<h4>The Power of Inclusion</h4>
The goal of Café Link has always been to promote inclusion through employment. Shane draws from his international experience to emphasise how this can be achieved.&nbsp;&nbsp;
“I worked in Canada for five years, helping people with intellectual disabilities get back into work. In Ireland, there's a heavy reliance on day services, but where I worked in Canada, many of the day services were closed due to significant investment in employment services.”
Shane adds that although there’s been significant government investment in recent years, more still needs to be done.&nbsp;
“There is a commitment to reviewing wage subsidy schemes to employ people with disabilities. However, more needs to be done to listen to organisations on the ground, rather than relying on policies that people think are important. If you actually talk to people working on the floor, listen to individuals with intellectual disabilities and the service providers, you’ll learn what really works and what doesn’t. More funding is required."

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<h4>A Hub for Community and Opportunity</h4>
Located at 25 Newcastle Road by the Shantalla Clinic, Café Link’s café is a bustling, high-volume space where staff members with intellectual disabilities thrive. The café offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, where customers can enjoy tasty meals and baked goods prepared with care by the team. The launch of their new bakery and catering business complements their already established cafe, a venture that is funded with partner Rethink Ireland.
“Our staff show up day in and day out,” says Shane. “Even during storms, they’re here. They’re reliable, dedicated, and supportive. They want to be here, and they want to work.
"Some of our team live independently. It is difficult to live on the DA (Disability Allowance) rate is €232 a week at the moment. If you’re paying HAP (Housing Assistance Payment), covering food, and trying to survive, that’s not a lot, especially in Galway city, which is expensive.&nbsp;
"When you employ people, it gives them meaningful purpose to life—doing something they love."
For more log on to: <a href="https://www.linkgalway.com/" target="_blank">Link Galway</a>&nbsp;

Café Link Championing Inclusive Employment in Galway For 30 Years

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