Ilkley’s Outside the Box recently celebrated Learning Disability Week with its very first ‘OTB Dine-In’ event, serving a 3-course meal to over 50 guests.
The special evening was a shining example of what can be achieved when creativity, skill-building, and confidence come together. Members of Outside the Box (adults with learning disabilities and/or autism) took centre stage at the event, delivering 5-star customer service and preparing delicious food that had guests raving.
“This event was all about celebrating our members – their hard work, growth, and incredible abilities,”
said Amy Robinson, Marketing and Events Manager at the charity.
“We couldn’t be prouder of what they achieved. The atmosphere was full of pride, joy, and a real sense of community. The OTB Dine-In wasn’t just a meal, it was a celebration of ability, inclusion, and what’s possible when we believe in one another.”
Learning Disability Week is a national campaign where people show what life is like if you have a learning disability and the theme for 2025 was ‘Do you see me?’, with organisations like Outside the Box helping people with a learning disability to be seen, heard and valued.
The event marked a collaborative effort between participants from the Cooking, Baking, Skills+, and Working Life sessions run at Outside the Box. Throughout the week leading up to the event, members attending these sessions worked diligently to prepare for the evening, helping to make the food and training in front-of-house service, culminating in a fantastic showcase for friends, family, and supporters.
The feedback from event guests, including parents of OTB members, was glowing, for example:
“Thanks to everyone for a great evening. The food was great and the members did a fantastic job.”
“Well organised, food was delicious, OTB members did really well working in such heat, staying focused and engaged in their tasks. Brilliant evening!”
“It was a great evening. A huge well done to all at OTB, particularly all the members who really showed how talented and skilled they are. We are already looking forward to the next Dine-In!”
The charity expressed a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the evening possible especially Skills+ tutor and event chef Richard Newall, Support Workers Catherine Taylor and Tracey Dickinson, and the incredible team of members who truly shone on the night: Katie Dawson-Booth, Oliver Heap, Eve Marran, Richard Allen, Emily Moorhouse, Euan Evans-Thirwell, Mason Parker, and Hannah Etchells.
Katie Dawson-Booth, OTB Dine-In Team Member, said:
“It was really good! I didn’t drop the food when carrying it from upstairs to downstairs, and I loved serving all the customers.”
Richard Allen, OTB Dine-In Team Member, commented:
“I did the serving, washing up and the bar. I really enjoyed it. The best part was serving the customers.”
Eve Marran, OTB Dine-In Team Member, added:
“I really enjoyed working at the bar and serving food to customers.”
The team at Outside the Box are planning to hold further Dine-In events in future. Follow their marketing and social media for further updates.
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