A Cafe Changing Lives: 21 Young Hearts Wins Community Award
In a remarkable celebration of community spirit and empowerment, the village cafe 21 Young Hearts in Martlesham Heath has been awarded the Positive Impact in the Community Award at the EADT Business Awards 2026. This accolade recognizes the cafe's commitment to transforming the lives of young people with disabilities by providing them with meaningful employment and internship opportunities since its launch in August 2025.
A Safe Haven for Skill Development
21 Young Hearts operates as a vibrant community cafe that not only serves high-quality coffee and homemade cakes but also acts as a supportive environment for young individuals to develop essential life skills. The cafe offers a unique training program tailored to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of each trainee, ensuring personalized support from the care team. This training focuses on building skills that are transferable across various sectors, ultimately preparing the young individuals for potential paid employment.
Real Impact on Lives
The success of 21 Young Hearts is tangible. According to Stuart Hobbs, a representative from the cafe, “This is a huge, huge thing. Not only just for us, but for all the people we support.” To date, 12 trainees have received training, with three already securing full-time jobs. This achievement underscores the organization's mission to challenge perceptions of disability and to prove that it should never be seen as a barrier to opportunity.
Community Outreach and Wider Benefits
Beyond its cafe operations, 21 Young Hearts extends its impact through outreach initiatives that benefit the local community. This commitment to community engagement not only provides additional opportunities for trainees but also fosters a sense of belonging and social integration.
A Word of Encouragement
Sharon Hobbs, also affiliated with the cafe, emphasizes the significance of kindness in their mission, stating, “For me, it’s about challenging disability, challenging perspectives, changing lives, and above all, we need to be more kind.” This sentiment resonates deeply with the foundational values of 21 Young Hearts, illustrating their dedication to promoting inclusivity and support for all individuals.
The judges of the EADT Business Awards aptly described 21 Young Hearts as “a very special place” and recognized the passion and drive of its leadership. This recognition not only shines a light on the important work being done at the cafe but also inspires other organizations to consider how they can make impactful changes within their communities.
