Christmas flash mob celebrates Café Collective launch
PUBLISHED 12-12-2022
A festive flash mob starring many of our SEND students wowed the crowds at a busy Southsea shopping precinct.
It was organised by us to mark the launch of the Café Collective, at Southsea Library in Palmerston Road.
The cafe will give young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) work experience, confidence, and the chance to see how valuable they can be in the workplace.
Our students are involved in customer service, preparation of foods and food service. They also keep daily logs of hygiene and cleaning.
The project, developed by Portsmouth City Council in partnership with us and the Solent Academies Trust, will help students develop good communication, problem-solving and team working skills, building their confidence and boosting their job prospects.
College Principal and CEO Katy Quinn said: “It’s fantastic for our students to be part of such a wonderful venture at the very heart of our community. It’s just one example of what we’re all about at City of Portsmouth College, enabling and inspiring our students to achieve above and beyond their goals – and what a way to celebrate it!
“A massive well done to everyone involved and here’s wishing the Café Collective team the very best of everything for the future.”
Our students were joined by future potential students from Mary Rose Academy, Creative Advances, Chaos Support and Redwood Park Academy.
Portsmouth City Councillor Suzy Horton, Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education, loved the flash mob event.
She said: "I'm excited to see how the students thrive and their employability skills develop whilst at the café. It's an excellent initiative to show these young people how much they're able to achieve and future employers how valuable people with SEND can be in the workplace."
This latest initiative, builds on the success of The Collective Shop at our Arundel Campus in Arundel Street.
Cards and gifts made by our SEND students are on sale at both venues.
