The Toucan, Hither Green is a new project we are looking to establish. The Holly Tree Arms was a local pub based in a residential area of Lewisham, which has now stopped trading. Lewisham has a range of services for people with learning difficulties/disabilities, but few are free at the point of entry, especially employment services. Despite only running a Supported Employment programme for Lewisham residents between 18-25, we are getting substantial numbers of enquires so we know there is a large demand for the employment support we provide. Geographically, there are no learning difficulties/disabilities services in the area of Lewisham where the Holly Tree Arms sits. Re-branding the Holly Tree Arms at the Toucan and re-opening the space would offer the space for this employment work with people with learning difficulties/disabilities to occur. Aligned to this, the space would also offers additional services that would complement the employment work undertaken.

What we'll deliver:

• - Lewisham residents with learning difficulties/disabilities to have improved vocational skills
• Lewisham residents with learning difficulties/disabilities to have improved employability skills
• Lewisham residents with learning difficulties/disabilities to have improved social skills
• Lewisham residents without learning difficulties/disabilities to have increased opportunities to access a community pub
• Lewisham residents without learning difficulties/disabilities to have increased social interaction

Why it's a great idea:

People with learning difficulties and disabilities only have an employment rate of between 5-15% nationally (Valuing Employment Now), and the boroughs we work in have aggregated unemployment rates of roughly 10.8% (Economic Development Bulletins). The intended outputs are: - Lewisham residents with learning difficulties/disabilities to have training, volunteering, and employment opportunities - both within the Toucan during its pub/social hub operations, and elsewhere. - Lewisham residents without learning difficulties/disabilities to have volunteering opportunities both during the day and evenings, as well as paid opportunities in the evenings. The estimated net benefit to local and national government of clients with learning difficulties/disabilities moving into work is estimated at between £7,000 and £18,000 per year, in terms of reduced use of day services, support services, etc. Additionally, there will be a community pub, where at the moment is just no pub at all

Steps to get it done:

• Renovation of the pub
• Purchase of bar equipment
• Contact with independent brewers for beer supplies
• First cohort of trainees with learning difficulties/disabilities trained
• First cohort of trainees with learning difficulties/disabilities employed