Sarah Thorp

In June 2018 I established and set up No Limits Café & Community Hub Community Interest Company in Newton Abbot. This was a café open to the public but also focused on supporting adults with disabilities and learning differences to gain work experience, develop new skills and transition to paid employment opportunities in the area. Over the last 3 years I developed the Supported Employment Outreach Service for No Limits.

Our social enterprise was very much focused on enhancing and supporting the local community, particularity those often feeling marginalized. We were very conscious of buying local, reducing food miles, reducing plastic and single use products, all whilst working with local organisations to support adults with disabilities transition into paid employment and lead more independent adult lives. I particularly loved the days I worked within the café supporting participants of our programme, engaging with customers, preparing barista coffees, drinks, cakes and snacks.

I supported the kitchen staff over busy periods and lunch breaks, and worked front of house serving handling cash, in addition to waiting and clearing tables. As a Manager I liked to make sure I worked hands on in all roles to help the team spirit and to be able to support with challenges and celebrate strengths. Since the closure of the café and to compliment my caring responsibilities at home, I returned to café operations work for the summer at The Riverside, Totnes.

I really enjoyed being back in a customer facing role, front of house and re-igniting my love of barista work. I am passionate about good coffee, enjoy learning new skills and would love the opportunity to develop these skills your organisation.

Barista and front-of-house work - The Riverside Café - Totnes

(2026-03 - 2026-09)

Some support in the kitchen with food prep. Re-igniting my passion for barista and front-of-house work over a very busy summer period.

Founder, Managing Director & Supported Employment Lead - No Limits Community Cafe & Hub CIC, Disability Confident Leaders

(2018-06 - 2025-03)

Scoping, developing, securing funding, managing and leading a social enterprise to provide supported employment training opportunities and employment for adults with disabilities and those identifying as neurodivergent. Working collaboratively with other organisations and Participants to provide supported employment opportunities across Exeter, Mid Devon, Teignbridge, South Hams and Torbay. Within the café I managed and covered all roles from kitchen to barista and front of house.

I really enjoyed the day-to-day café work, which is something I am keen to continue now that No Limits has had to close. This will allow me, to be part of a café team, without the managerial responsibilities now I have some caring responsibilities at home.

Carer - End of life care for family members

(2016-12 - 2018-06)

Makaton Regional Tutor – Training delivery

(2016-12 - 2018-06)

Assistant SENDCo Specialist Teaching Assistant - Denbury Primary School

(2011-09 - 2016-12)

Supporting teaching staff, differentiating work for children with a range of disabilities and learning differences including deafness, Down Syndrome, Autism, Global delay. To fit around the care of my own son with complex needs

Carer - Raising son with complex needs

(2006-12 - 2011-09)

Senior Doctrine Developer, Grade 7 - National Crime & Operations Faculty, Civil Service

(2005-05 - 2006-12)

Researching good practice, liaising with senior police officials, drafting police guidance on topics such as domestic abuse, serious crime investigation.

Carer - Parental leave

(2004-04 - 2005-05)

Principal Crime Analyst, Grade 7 - National Crime & Operations Faculty, Civil Service

(2002-12 - 2004-04)

Management responsibility for 15+ analytical staff. Having been promoted through 4 grades of analytical roles, principle Own case load of undetected serious crimes to complete behavioural case analysis on to identify patterns, links and potential offenders

BSc (Hons) - Psychology 2i - University of Plymouth A level - Law, Psychology, Sociology, History - Exeter College