Natural Vitality, a company based in Tunley making high-quality houmous (branded The Precious Pod), has offered on-the-job work experience to Josh Thatcher, who is a member of SWALLOW – a local charity supporting teenagers and adults with learning disabilities.

Josh started in August 2017, and has been working hard in the food preparation area, using experience and skills that he has gained at the SWALLOW Community Café. The position has proved so successful, that he is now being offered paid work at the company. Ayleen Driver, joint-owner of Natural Vitality, said: “Josh is a delightful young man; diligent and reliable. He has received good training at SWALLOW, and we feel he is well able to maintain the high standards we require in our kitchen.”

Maggie Blake, SWALLOW Community Café Manager, said: “It is wonderful that Josh has been offered this opportunity by Natural Vitality, and I am glad it is working out – it shows what a positive contribution our members can make to the world of work. As Natural Vitality say, ‘good people, doing good things, makes good business’. They’ve also given us some of their lovely products, which are being enjoyed by customers and members.”