Hobart social enterprise cafe Hamlet has logged 20,000 hours of work experience for Tasmanians facing employment barriers

A much-loved Hobart social enterprise has reached a major milestone and is celebrating with a massive giveaway.

Hamlet Cafe owner Emily Briffa is ready to celebrate 20,000 hours of training with free coffee all day. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

HOBART‘S Hamlet Cafe will serve free coffee on Wednesday to mark 20,000 hours of training for Tasmanians facing barriers to employment.

Hamlet CEO Emily Briffa said the milestone was an achievement worth celebrating for the three-and-a-half year old social enterprise.

“For us it’s a pretty significant milestone, because it shows that in the space of three-and-a-half years how much support we’ve provided to people in the community that really need it,” she said.

“When I talk to participants and ask what is the best thing about coming to Hamlet, they say the people. They feel like someone actually cares.”

The cafe, tucked away at the end of the Hobart rivulet track on Molle St, has developed a loyal following of customers. The enterprise is now 80 per cent self-funded so the free coffee is a way of saying thank you to the community.

“I like to think the coffee is good and the food is good. But more than that people create connections here which is really special. For the work experience participants themselves that is probably the most important thing they get out of this space, that feeling of being connected,” Ms Briffa said.

“A lot of our regular customers have that experience of seeing people grow.”

Hamlet owner Emily Briffa, centre, with staff members, from left, Michele Warner, Grace Zhou, Elena Yi and Curtis Ling. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Initially Hamlet’s main participants were people experiencing long-term unemployment. But the service has widened to support people from many backgrounds who are struggling to get a foothold in the state’s tough job market.

About 60 per cent of Hamlet’s participants identify as having a disability.

Others have mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, language barriers, or a lack of confidence or experience that has hampered their efforts to find work.

Paid staff train participants, who volunteer to receive all-important work experience. A recent Tasmanian Community Fund grant has allowed Hamlet to launch a catering arm, which will allow for expanded training options.

“We’re doing office lunches, morning and afternoon tea, and we can also open up the space for private functions and events. It’s really exciting,” Ms Briffa said.