Matthew, who is 21 and has autism, has worked as an assistant in The Brain Food Café since October 2019, his first paid role, having previously completed a college course and supported internship.
He said working in The Brain Charity’s on site café – developing catering skills and dealing with members of the public – has greatly improved his confidence.
Matthew said: “I feel happy working at The Brain Food Café and like it here because I get to meet new people every day.
“I had problems growing up and was more shy before, but I have got more confident since I started working here.
“Now I am learning as I go, I feel comfortable taking people’s orders and have made great friends both with staff and with customers.
“Sometimes people like me with a learning difficulty are treated differently, but not here.
“Knowing other people that work here have conditions has helped me settle in.”