German MEP highlights Cope Foundation’s UCC project
German MEP Katrin Langensiepen and Ireland South MEP Grace O’Sullivan have praised the work of those involved in the Roots coffee shop at UCC.
The project was set up by Cope Foundation to provide training opportunities and work experience for young people with an intellectual disability and/or autism in Cork city.
MEP Katrin Langensiepen is the only female member of the European Parliament with a visible disability. She has been visiting different European countries to see what life is like for people with disabilities in those countries and what services are available to them.
Roots UCC is located in the university’s student centre, The Hub, and has been a firm favourite with students, staff and locals since it first opened in the spring of 2020.
Up to 70 people supported by Cope Foundation have obtained work experience and developed skills at the coffee shop. It’s one of two cafes run by Cope Foundation. The first Roots coffee shop opened next to Beech Hill Garden Centre in Montenotte in 2018.
Speaking about the project MEP Langensiepen said: “No one country in the EU is perfect when it comes to employment for people with disabilities but some perform better than others. Roots is a fantastic project that allows people to go out to work on their own and we need to encourage and fund similar projects EU-wide.”
Sean Abbott, Chief Executive Officer of Cope Foundation, said: “We were very proud to show the MEPs how successful Roots is in supporting people with an intellectual disability and/or autism to gain work experience and paid employment. We know how much work has gone into setting up Roots and we see how much joy it brings to both the people supported by Cope Foundation who work here and the staff and students at UCC who visit everyday for great coffee, pastries and a chat.”
Scott is one of the people supported by Cope Foundation who met with the two MEPs during their visit to Roots. He said: “I started off in Roots in Montenotte and now I'm training in Roots UCC on Tuesdays and Fridays. I love everything about Roots UCC, meeting new people and making hot chocolates and cappuccinos. My dream job is to be in a band as I love music and acting.”
MEP Grace O’Sullivan added; “It is wonderful to see people like Scott coming to work every week and getting such enjoyment out of the job. I think a lot of people need to change their perception about what a person with a disability is capable of and Roots demonstrates this brilliantly. These sorts of spaces have such a benefit to the whole of society too, creating a fantastic community space that is welcoming and nurturing for all. Well done to all the team who set up the project and have kept it going over the last few years.”