Team Domenica on podcasts

About

Established in 2016 by Baroness Monckton, Team Domenica is a Brighton-based charity supporting young people with learning disabilities and autism to develop the skills, confidence and experience needed for meaningful employment. As a Specialist Further Education College, we deliver a pioneering, evidence-based model that combines education with real-world work experience. Through strong partnerships with local and national employers, we create pathways into sustainable employment while building independence, purpose and long-term opportunity. Our impact speaks for itself. Through our Supported Internship Programme, 76% of candidates secure paid employment, compared to less than 5% nationally. Of those, 82% remain in work for over two years. Since joining Team Domenica, over 86% of our candidates report increased confidence, independence and wellbeing. We work with 59 businesses and support over 125 young people across Brighton and beyond, having grown from just 20 candidates at our founding. We deliver this through three core areas: Our Programmes A two-year employment pathway combining classroom learning, enrichment and supported work placements, with ongoing support for both candidates and employers. The North Star pub Our flagship Brighton pub and training venue, where candidates gain hands-on experience in hospitality while challenging perceptions of disability in the workplace. Our Training Enterprises A network of training cafés and a coffee roastery where candidates develop skills in real working environments. Our social enterprises also include an online shop offering coffee and baked goods prepared by our candidates. We are funded through charitable donations alongside income generated from our enterprises, ensuring a sustainable model that continues to grow our impact. At Team Domenica, we use the term "candidates" to reflect the ambition, capability and potential of the young people we support as they move towards employment.