The cafe will be based at the Sutton Life Centre and is the result of a partnership between Sutton Council and Nickel Support, a community interest company that helps adults with learning disabilities gain employment.
The project follows the success of Beans and Bloom, a similar cafe launched last year at Whitehall Historic House in Cheam.
From left to right, Elena Nicola, Service Director and Co-CEO from Nickel Support, Lucy Soale, Operations Manager from Sutton Council, Nick Walsh, Operations Director and Co-CEO, Nickel Support (Image: Sutton Life Centre)
Elena Nicola, Service Director and Co-CEO from Nickel Support, said: “We’re really excited for this new cafe at the Sutton Life Centre.
“It will provide valuable training opportunities for people with SEND, helping them develop essential skills for future employment.
“Beans and Bloom, our cafe in Whitehall Historic House, has been very successful and we look forward to seeing similar success at the Sutton Life Centre.”
The new cafe will offer work experience and training for people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), while also serving as a welcoming community space.
It will be open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5pm initially, serving hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, cakes, and snacks.
Councillor Marian James, Lead Member for Adults and Children’s Services, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Nickel Support once more.
“The new cafe will offer an important community space while providing training and work experience that supports people with SEND in gaining employment.
“With the addition of the new SEND college, this cafe, and the Preparation for Adulthood Hub, the Sutton Life Centre will be transformed into a lively community hub for everyone to enjoy.”
The Sutton Life Centre will also welcome a new campus from Orchard Hill College, an Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ specialist college for young people with SEND.
A new Preparation for Adulthood Hub will also be launched to help young people with SEND transition into adulthood.
