Derwen College is delighted to recognise Café Life Oswestry as Employer of the Month for July 2026, celebrating the café’s commitment to supported intern Byron and offering huge thank to manager Ruth Seguss and the Cafe Life team as they prepare to close their doors at the end of the month.
Based at Cabin Lane Church in Oswestry, Café Life has been a welcoming community outreach café bringing people together through good food, friendly conversation and regular events including toddler groups and senior meals. Manager Ruth says the best part of her job has been meeting people and helping to brighten their day with a drink, cake or something delicious from the menu.
Ruth was approached by a Derwen College job coach in April 2026 and was keen for Café Life to get involved. With a personal connection to neurodiversity, she understands the importance of giving everyone opportunities to learn, grow and be part of the workplace.
Byron has volunteered at the café two days a week as part of his supported internship. He has worked mainly at the counter, greeting customers, serving drinks and cakes, and helping in the kitchen with food preparation. Ruth says Byron has quickly become a valued part of the team.
Q&A with Ruth Seguss, Café Life Oswestry
Can you tell us a little about Café Life?
“Café Life is based in Cabin Lane Church in Oswestry. It is a community outreach café that focuses on the people who visit us. We enjoy seeing customers, both regular and new, and the environment is warm and welcoming.”
What inspired you to offer a supported internship?
“I have a personal link to neurodiversity and understand that giving everyone opportunities and a chance is important. We have volunteers supporting the café, so we were delighted to get involved with Derwen College.”
What kind of tasks does Byron do?
“Byron mainly works at the counter, serving customers with his excellent skills and polite greeting. He makes drinks, serves cakes and even helps in the kitchen with food preparation.”
What has impressed you most about Byron?
“The best thing about working with Byron is that I don’t need to worry about him. He has learned skills at college that help him to work here with less support, and cracks on with whatever job we give him and is happy to try anything. He knows when to ask for help, and I enjoy helping him learn.”
Would you recommend offering work placement and supported internships to other employers?
“I would 100% recommend working with interns or students and want to encourage others to do this. Let them get involved and learn. It’s good for the business and for building relationships within the community.”
How has working with Byron benefited the team?
“Bryon and his job coach bring fun and bringing energy to the environment. Byron has an inquisitive nature, and he is making good links with peers and colleagues. Personalities like his make others feel welcome and happy.”
As Cafe Life, Oswestry prepares to close on 31 July, we would like to thank Ruth and the team for the warmth, kindness and encouragement they have shown Byron. Their support has helped him to develop confidence, skills and experience in the workplace. Thank you Ruth and the lovely Cafe Life team.