Silver Lining Internships - PUNKY DORY & GAMESMASTER
Gamesmaster Café & Bar - is part of 'Silver Lining Internships'; which was established to provide paid supported employment for young adults who need help to achieve independence.
It all began with 'Silver Lining Gifts' - our Model
Railway / Collectables and Gifts shop; this was then replaced by 'PUNKY DORY' - alternative clothing and accessories. This kind of exciting retail is most relevant to our interns and still the most effective start on their journey to independence.
In 2024 we moved both business to our fabulous premises in Ilminster - at 39 Silver Street, Somerset TA19 0DW. Our placements are still partially funded via 'Access to Work'; although this government funding has been drastically reduced. Somerset Council has largely abandoned the education of these young people, shamefully avoiding their responsibility and removing the EHCP funding for one intern altogether! We battle on regardless; with huge support from the local community. Most of our profits go towards supporting these young people - but all donations and offers of help are greatly appreciated.
In 2025 we applied for an alcohol licence, and this year we converted PUNKY DORY into a cocktail lounge! This has been amazingly successful and means that we can continue to be an equal opportunities employer. Its also been great fun!
For further information about our placements please see the website - www.silverlininginternships.co.uk
Gamesmaster Café & Bar provides a more challenging role for our interns: but socially and in terms of the skills needed, they have all thrived and we remain a big, happy family!
PUNKY DORY - Cocktail Lounge