Limerick cafe is championing inclusivity with training and employment opportunities

A CELEBRATION of inclusion and ability for International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a cupcake day at Lilac Cafe & Microbakery was a great success. 

The annual event included cupcake decorating demos, live entertainment and delicious cupcakes along with teas and coffees. 

Lilac Cafe & Microbakery at the Milk Market is a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to supporting adults with intellectual disabilities. 

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They run a programme called Rising Together, which includes training, work experience and hands-on experience in a training and professional kitchen environment to offer employment opportunities. 

Next year, they will open a microbakery as a training centre and production kitchen to encourage inclusivity in the workplace with hands-on learning.

This space will expand programme capacity and enhance hands-on learning for inclusive employment development in the region.

The tailored training programmes focus on each individual’s strengths and goals, helping

them develop workplace skills, foster independence, and build a strong sense of belonging.

By combining community engagement with hands-on learning, they aim to create pathways to meaningful inclusion and employment.

The Lilac Café & Microbakery combines the therapeutic and skill-building benefits of baking with structured, person-centred training. The organisation aims to address Ireland’s significant disability employment gap, currently the largest in the EU, where only 17% of adults with intellectual disabilities are in paid employment.

“Too many capable and motivated individuals remain excluded from the workforce simply

because the right supports and opportunities aren’t available,” said founder/director Laura

Holland. 

“Our goal is to change that reality in Limerick by offering training that builds

confidence, develops practical skills, and leads to meaningful supported paid employment,” she added.