Marc Jobson, manager of Seachange in Budleigh, writes for the Journal.

Exmouth Journal: Marc Jobson, manager of Budleigh HubMarc Jobson, manager of Budleigh Hub (Image: Archant)

One of the little-known objectives of Seachange is to facilitate and nurture local organisations to flourish and grow in our community. Over the past few years we have enabled many charities to help others through practical and financial support and guidance.

This assistance might be as simple as joining up contacts or completing DBS checks for their volunteers. Some may require professional knowledge and skills which we are happy to share. Others may simply need a platform to lift off.

Launchpad is a social enterprise which has been based at Seachange since we first opened our doors back in 2017. Launchpad has been integral to the feel and atmosphere of Seachange ever since. They are our ‘front of house’ giving a café feel to what was once a purely medical environment.

Jo, Jon and Julie run the café presenting fabulous food, especially the scones (please don’t tell the guys at Southern Cross Newton Poppleford I said that). But, they are more than ‘just’ a café. They also train adults with learning disabilities in the art of meal preparation, front and back of house, whilst working towards food and hygiene qualifications. The long-term plan being that the trainees can then get employment in local cafés and restaurants.

The interactions the Launchpad team have with our visitors is a joy to see. Some may be isolated or lonely, just popping for some company. They always go the extra mile to ensure they are made to feel welcome and comfortable. Most visitors are known on first name terms.

Launchpad is run by the ever-busy Carole. Realising the local need to help those with learning disabilities Carole has opened another café, Wesley’s in the high St Budleigh. This has enabled her to support even more trainees in their transition to employment.

The work ethic of Launchpad was shown recently at our Jubilee celebration. Orders came thick and fast for their cream teas. The staff and trainees pulled together to bake 300 scones on the morning of the event, efficiently packing them into little boxes for quick and easy distribution.

Launchpad also have many wonderful volunteers and enablers to facilitate their work. Cheryl enables a trainee called Chris. They have built a strong relationship together whilst working t Launchpad.

Another aspect their work is maintaining Sea change’s gardens and grounds. Overseen by Catherine and facilitated by too many lovely volunteers to mention, trainees are shown how to grow plants from seed, weed and nurture the beds.

If you haven’t seen how beautiful are gardens are then I suggest you pop along immediately. Why not have a cuppa and talk to the trainees whilst you are there.