Fundraising for inclusive café for opportunities to work
A fundraising appeal to raise £2,000 has been launched to buy equipment for a fully inclusive café where people supported by Adult Social Care can work behind the counter.
People with a range of learning and physical disabilities, and mental health needs use Bicester Community Support Service (BCSS) in Launton Road on a daily basis.
There’s now an opportunity to use an industrial kitchen already on site and the service would like to purchase equipment and customer facilities to make it a lunch hot spot.
The team is looking to buy tables and chairs, coffee making equipment, panini makers, and more, so they can make and serve lunches, snacks and drinks.
A JustGiving page has been created to raise funds for the equipment, licences, training and resources needed to set up the café. Once established, it is hoped the café will generate enough money to sustain itself and grow to give more people positive experiences.
Adults with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health needs, and dementia regularly attend the Bicester centre and the café will help people live more independent, fulfilling lives. The café would provide experiences in additional to the meaningful activities and opportunities that improve health, build confidence, and reduce social isolation. This year the service has already taken a theatre trip to see Steps the Musical, day trips and have built a brand-new custom shed.
Councillor Rebekah Fletcher, Cabinet member for Adults, said: “This is a fantastic idea which will create a real-life work environment and experience for the people we support.
"It is through innovative ideas like this that we, and our fantastic communities, can help people build confidence, independence and social connection, a genuine sense of purpose and achievement.
“Not only will they still attend BCSS but the people we support will have a café to go to where they can genuinely participate in supporting their local community.”
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