Community Cafe at Vibast Community Centre
The Pitch
Problem statement
The London Autism Group Charity aims to build on the success of our community café at Vibast Centre in Islington (within walking distance to Culture Mile). Our community cafés create safe spaces for autistic individuals and their families in the local area, offering an inclusive and supportive environment. The monthly community café sessions are crucial in combating loneliness, improving mental well-being, and reducing autism stigma. Currently, we support 20-40 attendees per session and have reached hundreds of people over two years. Enhancements such as music therapy, autistic-led specialist activities, and structured social outings are necessary to address these evolving needs effectively.
Solution
Our project aims to provide a more inclusive and enriching community café experience by incorporating a variety of autistic-led, low-demand and alternative activities including music therapy, mindfulness and meditation, tai chi, and arts and crafts. Music therapy will be provided in every session, aiming at individuals with learning difficulties and/or non- or minimally-speaking individuals. We will organise social activities post-café, such as shared meals, bowling, accessible tours, and other suitable outings in the culture mile area. Funds will cover the costs of such activities, room rental (main room $ activity room), snacks and drinks, and promotional materials for 12 monthly sessions.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
We are uniquely positioned to deliver this project due to our extensive experience, deep understanding of the autistic community's needs, and track record of impactful projects with positive testimonials. We are led by autistic people at every level, ensuring our services are genuinely aligned with the community's needs. We provide a wide range of targeted services, including six community cafés across London, a befriending scheme, advocacy support, and 1-1 autistic-led mental health therapy. We have significantly raised autism acceptance by producing 'The Autism Podcast' (the UK's most listened to autism-related podcast), hosting a live radio show on London Greek Radio and more.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Venue rental (main room with accessible kitchen for 2 hours for each monthly session) | £720 |
| Venue rental (side room for structured activities for 2 hours for each monthly session) | £360 |
| 12 music therapy sessions at £60 each, 1 hour duration | £720 |
| 12 autistic-led specialist activities at £60 each, 1 hour duration (rota system - 4 tai chi sessions, 4 mindfulness and meditation sessions, 4 arts and crafts sessions) | £720 |
| Snacks and drinks for participants | £240 |
| Post-community cafe social activities (rota system - 4 shared meals at £150 each, 4 bowling activities at £100 each, 4 cinema/other outings at £100 each) | £1,400 |
| Sensory equipment and items for use on tables in main and side rooms | £350 |
| Arts and crafts supplies for collective use | £300 |
| Advertising and promotional costs (printed and digital media related costs) | £200 |
| Volunteer training and expenses (2 hours of training for 4 volunteers at £75 per hour = £600, volunteer travel and lunch expenses at £10 per monthly session = £480) | £1,080 |
Beneficiaries
1,000 people
Who will benefit
Expected impact
Our project is designed to have a profound impact on the lives of autistic people, their families, and carers. By reducing emotional and social loneliness, we aim to significantly improve mental health and increase social capital. Autistic individuals will directly benefit from enhanced support networks, leading to decreased anxiety and suicidal ideation, and a higher quality of life. As autistic people experience these improvements, their families and carers will also see boosted confidence and reduced anxiety, creating a more supportive home environment. Measurable targets for our project include improved mental health, quality of life, social support and increased session attendance and engagement.Additionally, the attendance of professionals in our sessions will enhance societal understanding and acceptance of autism. This engagement is expected to make services more accessible and effective, enabling a community where autistic individuals are better supported.
Track record
Since our inception, the London Autism Group Charity has established six community cafés across London, created a private support group of 4,200 members, launched a successful befriending scheme, produced the UK's most listened to autism-related podcast, and hosted a live radio show on London Greek Radio. Selected testimonials: "The London Autism Group Charity has been a lifeline for my family. Their community cafés provide a safe space for my autistic son to socialise and for us parents to connect and share experiences." – Parent of an autistic child "The London Autism Group Charity provides an enormous amount of support to autistic people and their families in London. Their regular community cafés and other events are an invaluable resource." – Community member "The charity's befriending scheme has been incredibly beneficial for my mental health. Having someone to talk to who understands my experiences has made a huge difference." – Participant in the befriending scheme