Meet Alison West – manager of a café that raises funds for Ann Harding Cheshire Home in Northwold
Alison West serves both the residents of Anne Harding Cheshire Home as well as its patrons at the café.
How does one balance managing a café that raises funds for an organisation supporting adults with disabilities, as well being a house mother at the home itself?
Alison West is probably the only person in the world who can answer that question.
For over a year now she has managed Annie’s Place, a café situated at Ann Harding Cheshire Home in Northwold.
“Before that, I used to own and manage a restaurant near Wemmer Pan Lake,” she said.
“So I have always been interested in food and seeing people served well.”
West’s passion for the culinary and passion for people come together in this.
But even what others would see as menial tasks, like helping disabled adults go shopping, helping around the rooms, or even just sitting and listening to their complaints and struggles, edifies her soul.
“Many do not have families who are able to assist often, so I like to be there for them. I enjoy it. It is my passion. They miss interacting with people and having someone just listen.”
West said these talks can become emotional but she does her best to encourage people.
Compared to the challenges these people go through, managing a café, its staff, menu and day-to-day running is no problem at all, she said.
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