How Ya Bean? Social Enterprise Graduation Ceremony

• 17 Jun 2022
• |
• N. Ireland

Our Praxis team recently celebrated the launch of their latest social enterprise, ‘How Ya Bean?’ Coffee. The project, made possible by the NI Housing Executive’s Homeless Prevention Fund, provides vocational training and work experience to individuals from our mental health services in the Bangor and North Down & Ards area.

The project began back in November 2021 when the organisation purchased an old horse cart. After brainstorming, the team decided to convert it into a coffee business.

Individuals were offered the opportunity to achieve their OCN Level 1 Award through the Hospitality Academy. The 6 week training programme consisted of a blend of both theoretical and practical learning. Throughout this period, trainees developed a range of transferrable skills which they will put to use in the coffee cart!

The event, hosted at the Strangford Arms Hotel in Newtownards, was an opportunity to present the trainees with their certificates, celebrate their success and thank everyone who helped to make the project possible over tea, coffee and speeches.

Those attending included a mix of trainees, their friends and families. Joris Minne, food writer for the Belfast Telegraph and judge on the BBC series ‘Farm to Feast’, was the VIP guest. Other guests included individuals from: The South Eastern Trust, NOW Group and Praxis Care.

Food writer and TV judge Joris Minne commented:

“This is great recognition of the tenacity and determination of people encouraged by Praxis Care to gain as much independence in life as possible. The hospitality sector is tough and social enterprises like ‘How Ya Bean?’ compete on the same playing field as commercial operations. They deserve every success and I look forward to buying a coffee from the trailer at the next event where they pitch up!” 

Trainee Valerie Mighten said,

‘’It’s great to chat with new people over coffee and learn about experiences they may have had. That’s why I wanted to get involved’’.