Mid and West Wales AM Joyce Watson popped in to Ammanford's iSmooth café today for a cup of coffee and to see how the business is encouraging people with learning disabilities to play an active role in the community.

iSmooth Community Café was set up three years ago by Amman Valley Mencap to give individuals with a learning disability the opportunity to volunteer in a bustling café.

Mrs Watson was invited to speak to staff and volunteers about how the social enterprise is making a positive difference to the lives of its services users and the wider community.

Café manager, Erica Walker, described how iSmooth worked with agencies such as Probation Services, Job Growth Wales, Carmarthenshire Council Social Care and Mencap.

“Through the café and its core services, Amman Valley Mencap is doing fantastic work – supporting people with learning disabilities to gain skills and confidence, make new friends and find fulfilment,” said Mrs Watson.

“I was impressed not just by the quality of the coffee and cakes, but by the friendliness and efficiency of the service and by the comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.”

The Labour AM’s visit coincided with Fairtrade Fortnight, which the café promotes with its fairtrade produce.

Last year the Welsh Government granted the social enterprise £4,000 for IT investment.