Local charity appeals for donations to launch cafe to support learning disabilities

Paula who is on a work placement from Pure Innovations

An award-winning charity is appealing to local bakers, grocers and supermarkets to help back the launch of a weekly café run by local people with learning disabilities, opening next month.

Alternative Futures Group (AFG) provides person-centred support to adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs and this year is celebrating 21 years of providing life-enriching support across the North West.

The charity has unveiled a celebratory programme of local community events to mark its 21st anniversary, including the opening of a weekly café held every Tuesday from 10am-3pm at Thrum Hall Methodist Church, Thrum Hall Lane, Rochdale.

Carol Toner, Community Service Director of AFG Rochdale said: “The ‘AFG Community Café’ is an initiative that the people we support in Rochdale are very excited about. Not only will it provide work experience with the potential to gain a vocational qualification (BTEC) in work and life skills and access into the local community, it will encourage community engagement by coming together and breaking down stigmas. A good cuppa and a natter can promote wellbeing and that is why we really want this to work.

“We are appealing to the local business community – bakers, grocers, supermarkets, for any donations that will help us launch the AFG Community Café. Anything from tea, coffee, milk, hot chocolate, sugar, cakes and biscuits, even tablecloths and aprons, will really help us to make it a success.

"All funds raised from the coffee mornings will be split between the church and running costs.”

The AFG Community Café will open to the public on Tuesday 10 December with a Coffee Morning serving tea, coffee, juice and cakes.

Team Leaders and organisers Joanne Ward and Anthony Szuminski, of Alternative Futures Group, have been interviewing people supported in the area for the roles.

Joanne said: “There has been real excitement about the project and a lot of interest and applications from the people we support in running the café. We’re hoping it will go from strength to strength and have a positive impact on the community of Rochdale.”

For more information please contact Team Leader Joanne Ward on mobile 07825 621 062.