Discover Leah’s story, showing how working in her local community-owned pub helped her build confidence and gain valuable experience.
“Since I started working at The Plough Inn in March 2023, my confidence has grown in ways I never expected. I’m in my early twenties and at a stage in life where I’m figuring things out – balancing work, independence, and what I want for my future. I come from a close-knit family, and although I don’t live directly in the village, I live just a seven-minute drive away and have always felt connected to the area.
I went to the village primary school, so I already knew a lot of people before I ever worked at the pub. The pub itself had always been familiar to me and plays such an important role in the local community. Getting involved in working there wasn’t something I had planned far in advance; it came about through encouragement and curiosity, and I decided to give it a try. That decision turned out to be a really important one for me.
Being able to work so close to home has made a huge difference to my day-to-day life. It’s convenient, but more importantly it’s helped me feel more involved in the community and more confident in myself.
What I enjoy most about working at the pub is the people. Talking to customers, many of whom I already knew from school or growing up nearby, and working as part of a supportive team has helped me come out of my shell. I feel like I’ve achieved so much – gaining confidence, learning responsibility, and developing communication skills I didn’t have before.
Working at the pub has taught me that I’m far more capable than I once believed. It’s changed my confidence, my character, and my outlook on life. Knowing the pub is community-owned makes it even more meaningful – it truly feels like being part of something special.”
Leah
The Plough, Longparish
Together we can save rural hospitality
Leah’s story shows just how important hospitality jobs are for young people. And in rural areas, where opportunities are limited by isolation and lack of transport, community-owned hospitality businesses play a vital role in providing accessible work and experience.
Your donation helps us support rural communities to set up and sustain these businesses – ensuring young people continue to gain the skills, confidence, and employment opportunities they need.
