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Props’ disability-led brewery celebrates 2 years

Three men are standing together in a brewery, holding flasks of beer. Two of the men are smiling as they bring the flasks to their noses to smell the beer, while the third, who has long hair and is wearing a PROPS t-shirt, looks on with encouragement. The scene captures a hands-on brewing session at Tapestry by PROPS, with the trainees actively engaging in the brewing process. The background features industrial brewery equipment and a rustic wooden door, emphasizing the practical, craft-based learning environment.

Bristol’s Tapestry by Props, the city’s first disability-led brewery, has recently celebrated its second anniversary, marking a significant milestone in breaking barriers around disability and employment. Located in St Philip’s Marsh, this craft brewery is part of the larger PROPS charity, which is based at the Vassall Centre, alongside WECIL. PROPS empowers learning disabled adults by providing them with real, meaningful work experiences, including roles in beer production, design, and branding. Their involvement spans various aspects of the brewery’s operation, from brewing to customer service, tailored to individual strengths and preferences.

Tapestry’s unique approach to inclusion challenges common perceptions of what Disabled people can achieve in the workplace. As co-founder Tom Medland explains, their aim is not only to produce high-quality craft beer but to change societal expectations by giving their trainees a platform to demonstrate their capabilities in a creative and rewarding environment. Their beers, such as All In and Tiger Soul, are brewed, named, and branded by their trainees, offering a product that reflects the trainees’ contributions and talents.

This initiative also highlights the Vassall Centre as a hub of accessibility and community. WECIL, proud to be neighbours with PROPS, values their work as a shining example of how inclusive business models can flourish, fostering both social development and professional growth for Disabled people.

Tapestry’s taproom, open from March to October, is a space where visitors can enjoy craft beer and support a fantastic cause, with every pint serving as a testament to the skills and hard work of the trainees involved 

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