Nigella Lawson opens training pub for young people

Food writer and TV chef Nigella Lawson has opened a pub designed to help prepare young people with learning disabilities or autism for employment.

The North Star, set up by Brighton-based charity Team Domenica, provides the young people with real-world training opportunities that allow them to build their skills, confidence, and independence.

Alongside Ms Lawson, the Brighton venue was opened by Baroness Rosa Monckton, who founded the charity in honour of her daughter, Domenica, who has Down's syndrome.

Georgia Pink, the charity's enrichment coordinator, said: "Our main goal is to empower... and help them gain paid employment."

The charity was founded in 2016 after Domenica left college and faced a lack of opportunities typical for young adults with learning disabilities.

Just 4.8% of adults with a learning disability and autism are in employment in England, according to figures from the NHS..

Through the programme, Team Domenica has said that 86% of candidates progressing into employment have stayed in their position for more than two years.

Ms Pink, who has worked at the charity for almost six years, called all the candidates "incredible".

She said they do everything "with real confidence and determination".

"Their self-confidence and sense of belonging in the community," Ms Pink added.

"Feeling appreciated by employers and colleagues is really important.

"Everyone should have the right to do that," she continued.

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