A NEW charity cafe employing people with special needs aims to help them build links with the Thame community.

The 1950s pop-up cafe in Christchurch was given £5,000 in grants to get it off the ground nine weeks ago.

It helps special needs adults gain work experience.

Spokeswoman Michelle Diffey, said: “Fewer than one in five people with a disability work.

“But, according to research, 65 per cent would like to work for the same reasons as everyone else – for a sense of purpose and identity.”

The cafe which is open on Tuesday afternoons from 2-4pm, now has the support of six grant providers, including the Red Nose Day Fund and the National Lottery.

Ms Diffey added: “We hope work experience will help our special needs adults to gain confidence and increase their independence, enabling them to go on and get other jobs.”