Employees from UKSE swapped their desks for gardening tools, paintbrushes and DIY gear on the 29th October 2025 as they spent a full day volunteering at Work Ltd’s Hidden Gem Café in Sheffield.

The hands-on activity was part of UKSE’s 50th anniversary programme, which celebrates five decades of supporting businesses and communities across steel regions.

Work Ltd is a Sheffield-based charity offering life skills, occupational training and creative opportunities for adults with learning disabilities. Their services include craft workshops, hospitality training through the Hidden Gem Café, and an expanding multimedia department where learners gain experience in filming, editing and content creation – with the department starting to take on paid clients for promotional videos.

UKSE has an ongoing relationship with Work Ltd, having recently awarded a bursary to Lydia, a long-standing learner at the centre, to support her ambitions in video presenting and digital media. The volunteering day strengthened this partnership further, giving the UKSE team the chance to see first-hand the positive impact of the charity’s work.

With a newly built log cabin classroom in the café courtyard, there was plenty for the volunteers to get stuck into. Tasks included painting, gardening, clearing outdoor spaces, and DIY improvements to help refresh the area for learners and visitors.

To capture the day, Work Ltd’s multimedia students created a behind-the-scenes video featuring interviews with UKSE staff and footage of the work undertaken.

Sarah Jayne, who leads Work Ltd, said: “We are incredibly grateful to UKSE for giving their time, energy and enthusiasm.

“The improvements made to the Hidden Gem Café courtyard and classroom spaces will be enjoyed daily by our students.

“UKSE’s ongoing support, from the bursary for Lydia to their hands-on volunteering, means a great deal to everyone at Work Ltd.”

Steve Lyon, UKSE Regional Manager, said: “Supporting Work Ltd has been a highlight of our 50th anniversary year.

“The team do incredible work empowering adults with learning disabilities, and it was important for us to contribute hands-on.

“Spending time with the staff and students gave us real insight into the difference the charity makes, and we were thrilled to be part of it.”

UKSE remains committed to supporting community groups, local initiatives and organisations making a meaningful impact across South Yorkshire and the wider steel communities.