A NEW beer was launched in Reading on Saturday night, as part of an initiative aimed at giving autistic adults a chance to gain valuable work experience.
The Count Me in Collective (CMIC) held a party at The Castle Tap to celebrate its partnership with Finchampstead-based Elusive Brewing. On offer was Count Me In Pale Ale, which is brewed with Citra, Centennial, Mosaic and Azacca hops
Run by Becky and Whinnerah, the scheme is a training platform for people with learning disabilities and/or autism. Under the plans, some of the trainees will become employees, others will gain experience and qualifications so they can then go on to apply for jobs within the brewing and hospitality sectors.
The couple say they were inspired by statistics showing just under one in five autistic adults are employed in the UK, and just one in 20 for those with learning disabilities.
They also have a daughter who has two rare genetic conditions, and a son who is autistic.
“We see the future of the venture as co-operative and have drawn together a team of both disabled and non-disabled people to run it and learn together,” says Ms Whinnerah.
“The plan is to use our strong links to breweries and pubs in Reading and the surrounding areas to assist our trainees to apply for jobs within the sectors, and possibly beyond, as so many of their skills will be transferable.”
Elusive Brewing’s managing director Ruth Mitchell says the first brewing day showed them some ways in which they can implement changes that would make their business more accessible.
“The brew day was a great experience for us, not only because the trainees had a great time but because we learnt so much about what we can do to make our business more inclusive,” she said.
“The trainees gave us some great feedback which we have taken on board and are using to make our taproom more accessible for all.”
Count Me In Pale Ale is now available at venues across Reading and to purchase from Elusive Brewing’s Taproom and webshop.
