A warm and welcoming space, friendly faces and good food at reasonable prices are on the menu at a new social enterprise café launched at the Tommy Makem Arts and Community Centre (TMAC) in Keady!
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is delighted to welcome The Gathering Rooms to operate a café at the TMAC – a new venture following on from The Gathering Rooms Café in Armagh, which is run by local charity, The Appleby Trust. The charity has been training and employing young people with autism since 2019.
Since opening its doors five years ago, the project has helped over 100 young people with autism to develop practical employment and social skills to build confidence, boost independence and help to secure employment opportunities within the hospitality sector.
The Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Stephen Moutray said:
“Community facilities aim to be vibrant and inclusive places for people to meet and connect through social activities, workshops and classes, thereby reducing loneliness and social isolation, particularly in rural areas. This initiative will support this aim and provide training and employment opportunities to young people who may otherwise experience barriers to employment.
“We encourage new users to visit the facility to find out more about the programme of events and activities on offer, along with support and funding available to community groups.”
Under supervision, the young people learn how to work in the kitchen and front of house serving customers. They also get involved with the day-to-day running of the café by helping with orders and deliveries.
Thomas O’Hanlon, Chair of The Appleby Trust said:
“This is an exciting new venture for The Appleby Trust. As a social economy project operating across Armagh, Lurgan and Banbridge, we are committed to creating meaningful, supported employment opportunities. Through our Print It companies and our coffee shop in the Gathering Rooms, we provide valuable services while supporting those who rely on us.
“This new outreach marks a significant step forward — not only in expanding our footprint but in continuing our mission to support and empower individuals in our communities. We are initially operating two days a week from the TMAC, and we’re optimistic about extending this service to other locations in the future.”
The Gathering Rooms at the TMAC will be open Mondays and Thursdays, 10am – 2pm, serving tea and coffee with freshly made scones and traybakes along with healthy breakfast options and light snacks.
