South Shields cafe that helps people with autism saved after fundraiser
Written by Tobias Luke Phipps on 10th May 2024
A cafe that gives people with autism the opportunity to work and gain qualifications has been saved after a Crowdfunder campaign raised over £20,000.
Sea Change had been faced with closure after their energy bills rose by 400% whilst the cost of many ingredients also doubled.
The cafe was also helped after their energy provider, Octopus Energy, waived a £20,000 debt.
The cafe, which was set up in 2019, also hosts a weekly club every Thursday night for people with autism.
Lexie O’Connor, who is a volunteer mentor at the club, said: “It’s very hard for neurodiverse people to find somewhere they can socialise, somewhere they can be themselves and still get the sense of going to a local pub or just meeting up with friends,” before adding: “It provides a safe space, we provide activities and help people develop their social skills.”
If you would like to contribute to the Crowdfunder campaign you can do so via this link: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-us-save-sea-change-cic.
