High Sheriff visits internationally recognised Thakeham Bakery run by adults with learning disabilities
The High Sheriff of West Sussex, Dr Tim Fooks, has visited JubyLee Bakes to celebrate their 10th anniversary year and understand first-hand how this small commercial kitchen in Thakeham has been overcoming one of the most persistent barriers faced by adults with learning disabilities: access to meaningful employment.
JubyLee Bakes was established in Horsham in 2016 and moved to its purpose-built kitchen premises in 2021. What the High Sheriff encountered there was not a token initiative, but a professional operation producing award-winning goods while equipping adults with learning disabilities, autism and Down syndrome with practical workplace skills.
Employment rates for adults with learning disabilities remain stubbornly low. JubyLee Bakes was established to address that gap. Funding from the National Lottery Community Fund People’s Projects, enabled the team to create a purpose-built commercial bakery offering structured training in food preparation, hygiene, teamwork and customer engagement.
The results speak for themselves: four of their products have won internationally recognised Great Taste Awards.
The bakery’s reach extends well beyond Thakeham. Its bakers regularly sell their goods at public events and provide catering at high-profile venues. Buffets have been served at Arundel Castle in the presence of the Duchess of Norfolk, and at The Law Courts in Horsham with the Chief Coroner and the Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex in attendance. The team has also spoken at community groups and additional needs schools, and mentored mainstream students - activities designed to promote genuine inclusion.
Recognition has followed. JubyLee Bakes has secured Young Start-Up Talent and People’s Projects awards, as well as the Horsham Voluntary Sector Dream Team Award. In 2023, the team was also presented with the High Sheriff’s Award for Great and Valuable Services to the Community.
During his visit, Dr Fooks said the enterprise demonstrates what can be achieved when expectations are raised rather than lowered.
“These young people are serious about their work and rightly proud of it,” he said. “JubyLee Bakes is a place of opportunity, skill and enterprise and the bakers are inspirational in their determination and professionalism. The bakery is a place of joy, love, friendship and hope, and, after some very careful and extensive tasting, I can wholeheartedly confirm that the bakes, which these very remarkable bakers produce, are absolutely delicious.”
At a time when conversations about inclusion are becoming increasingly prominent, JubyLee Bakes is offering an excellent practical model: high standards, visible participation in community life, and work which carries both dignity and purpose.
To order cakes or make a donation to JubyLee Bakes contact Ellen Tomlinson [email protected].