‘I have Down’s Syndrome and struggle to find work – this London hotel changed that’
Hilton Hotel has launched a pop-up tearoom where customers at the five-star Waldorf Hotel will be served by staff who have learning disabilities.
The special event was hosted as part of Learning Disability Week with special educational needs (SEN) staff at the historic hotel.
Yesterday, guests were served a menu of freshly cut sandwiches and warm scones by servers like Sam Innes, who has Down’s Syndrome.
Sam told Metro: ‘Finding work was really difficult for me, so when I started my role at Hilton, it was such a relief. I’ve always wanted to work and be around people, and I knew a hotel would be the perfect place to do that.
‘Having a job helps people with learning disabilities feel valued and shows others what we can achieve when given the chance.
‘It’s boosted my confidence and helped me become more independent. Now, I want to be a role model and inspire others to believe that they can do it too.’
After studying business and retail at college, Camden-born Sam found a love for hospitality.
He joined the hotel with the support of the Down’s Syndrome Association Workfit programme, where his skill set and aspirations were matched.
Having worked one day a week, Sam, who lives in Chalk Farm, now has a permanent food and beverage assistant role following outstanding feedback from guests and colleagues.
The hotel chain wants to demonstrate support for members of the SEN community and highlight a representation gap within the industry.
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From placements and interviews to the launch of the Flying Fox food truck, Hilton’s involvement has helped bring the vision of the specialist college Aurora Foxes to life.
What is Learning Disability Week?
This week is Learning Disability Week.
The national campaign takes place in the third week of June every year.
Organised by the charity Mencap, the week is used by campaigners to raise awareness about learning disabilities and what the some 1.5million people with learning disabilities bring to society.
This year’s theme is, ‘Do you see me?’, which Mencap says is ‘about making sure that people with a learning disability are are seen, heard, included, and valued in all aspects of life’.
Online and in-person talks, festivals, exhibitions, school workshops, meet-ups and more will be held across the UK.
There are many ways to participate in Learning Disability Week 2025 and to find out more visit: Learning Disability Week 2025 | Global Awareness Days Events Calendar 2025
- Share stories: Use social media to amplify the voices and experiences of people with learning disabilities.
- Support charities: Donate to or volunteer with organisations dedicated to supporting individuals with learning disabilities.
- Educate yourself and others: Take the time to learn more about learning disabilities and share resources within your network.
Mark Costello, principal at Aurora Foxes, said: ‘When people with learning disabilities see others like themselves thriving in customer-facing roles, it inspires confidence and ambition.
‘By providing meaningful employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities, Hilton is transforming lives, challenging perceptions, and breaking down barriers in the wider community. Our work together is about creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed.’
Hilton interviewed 500 people with learning disabilities and their carers, and found that 79% said businesses need to do more to demonstrate they have staff with learning disabilities.
It also said 74% said seeing more people like themselves in customer-facing roles would give them the confidence to apply for a job themselves.
Of those in work, just 16% say they have a role model with a similar disability to look up to and learn from.
Learning Disability Week runs until Friday (June 20).
The Waldorf, London, opened in 1908 with a vision to follow the American tradition of offering not just rooms but a place for passers-by to stop for dinner, afternoon tea or a drink.
It opened with 400 bedrooms, 176 bathrooms and a range of innovative features – a telephone and electric lights that could be switched off at the bedside in all rooms, three lifts and central heating
In 2015, it received a further £13.5million refurbishment.
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