Our Partnership with Blackwood: How Everyday Encounters at Fair Shot Café Are Changing Workplace Perceptions

Over the past year, Blackwood has become one of our closest and committed partners, supporting our mission not only by helping raise vital funds, but also by becoming a regular and familiar presence in our café.

From the moment a new cohort began their training to the graduation of the last group, Blackwood team members have been right there in the café; meeting learners, cheering them on, and witnessing first-hand the growth that happens when young adults with learning disabilities are given the chance they deserve.

We asked the team at Blackwood for their reflections and experiences. Through their words and experiences, we see how Fair Shot is challenging assumptions, reshaping perceptions of disability, and demonstrating what true inclusion can look like in the workplace.

Shifts in Perception: What Daily Exposure Can Teach Us

Many members of the Blackwood team shared that visiting the café regularly has given them a deeper understanding of the impact the right environment can have on someone’s development.

“Absolutely, the speed of development of all of the learners is exceptional. Seeing that all they need is a supportive, understanding environment willing to spend time on them is very satisfying.”

Others shared that while their values were already rooted in inclusion, Fair Shot sharpened their awareness of what meaningful support can achieve:

“Perception has always been to push for inclusion on all fronts.”

The café environment also encouraged people to think more holistically about what workplace inclusion could look like elsewhere:

“Recognising that different disabilities require different solutions, but that they can all get to the same place, makes me wonder what else could be done in other working environments.”

Patience, Humanity, and the Role of the Customer

Several Blackwood team members reflected on how Fair Shot has shown them that inclusion isn’t just the responsibility of an organisation: it’s a shared effort.

“Perhaps seeing that to be effective one has to approach with greater patience, some of the burden is on the consumer or client, at least initially.”

Another emphasised how seeing Fair Shot’s impact in real time strengthened their belief that inclusion is not only important, but essential:

“Seeing the positive impact of Fair Shot has really emphasised the need to give everyone opportunities.”

A Different Kind of Café Experience, In the Best Way!

Visitors often described their early experiences in the café as refreshingly unlike the typical fast-paced, transactional café culture.

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“Initially it was quite a change from your average café racing people in and out. But over time the learners have progressed so far that now the experience is very similar to a regular café -  just with more warmth and care.”

Others reflected on how individual personalities shine through:

“Some learners are naturally more at ease in customer-facing roles and more chatty. All bring enthusiasm and positivity in their own way.”

Lessons Learned: What Fair Shot Reminds Us About Potential

If Fair Shot teaches anything, it’s this: with the right support, people thrive.

“It’s been a strong reminder that everyone should be afforded an opportunity to learn and develop new skills, and that with the right support and environment, people can thrive.”

Many Blackwood employees witnessed first hand the growth in our learners and noted that it was “incredible to see the development in confidence and efficiency over time — very noticeable when you go in a lot.”

And for some, getting to know learners over time brought out a newfound ease and connection:

“Learners I’ve interacted with regularly have become more chatty and extroverted. It has been great to see that confidence develop.”

Our Partnership in Action: Fair Shot and Blackwood

Our partnership with Blackwood is built on shared values and reinforced through real, everyday engagement. The Blackwood team not only supports Fair Shot through fundraising, they show up for our learners in the cafe, celebrate their progress, and advocate for our mission.

By becoming regular customers, they’ve helped create a supportive environment where learners can practise their skills, build confidence, and thrive.

Blackwood’s staff reflections highlight exactly why partnerships like this matter. When organisations, customers, and communities come together, inclusion stops being a concept and becomes a lived reality and societal norm.