A social venue for those living with isolation.

[Spiller]

I've been considering an idea for a charity/business venture for a while and would appreciate any opinions, suggestions and criticisms from my friends here on AC.
Based on my lifes' experience of isolation, social phobia and depression, while I had my own business and especially since I've been incapacitated for the last 21 months due to an Apocolyptic Burnout, I've come to realise, through experience with many of my clients, that the majority of people with physical disabilities, mental health issues and AS/ASD, live many years of their lives in isolation simply because of their differences and the lack of anywhere affordable and welcoming enough that they can go to just hang out.
I myself currently find it difficult to get through each day because it's difficult to pass all the empty time and I've gotten to the point where I struggle even to find the motivation to get out of bed in the morning.
Ultimately, the effects of such isolation, especially when coupled with the day to day difficulties encountered due to their difference, leads many people into ever deepening physical and mental health issues and further medications to combat such, resulting in an unnecessarily unhealthy societal subset, which is perfectly capable of being productive, given adequate support, and a group that really needs the awareness and attention of the local community they are alienated from. Not to mention an unnecessarily massive strain on the staff and budget of the health system in the UK.
My modest idea is to set up a 5-7 days-per-week high street coffee shop (with the aim, if it's successful, of expanding into other locales) backed with charity funding, which genuinely caters to an abled and disabled clientelle who may be in wheelchairs, or socially phobic, or with certain environmental sensitivities, etc, where people like myself and the many people I've met over the years, professionally and as service users of charity organisations I've been in contact with, can go.. just to be around others and have the opportunity to socialise if they're able, or to just sit if they wish. The aim being to give people the opportunity to improve their well being, self confidence and, ultimately, optimism for their own future.
I plan to employ a mixture of abled and disabled staff, paid and volunteering, all within current benefit-entitlement protocols, and train them in food hygiene, first aid and more disability-specific care/aid.
There will be a quiet room/area/booths for those who may need a break, or whose sensory issues require less ambient noise/activity/artificial light.
Adequate space between furniture to allow easy, stress free movement.
Areas that can be cordoned off/reserved and adequate seating provided for prearranged charity group meets (This last is a biggie, as the charities I currently frequent as a service user, on once-monthly coffee mornings, are forced to take what space they can get on the day; the places they meet are businesses after all and need bums on seats to spend money).
Internet access for individuals and adequate bandwidth for groups - I know several ASD kids whose main social interaction with one another is via MineCraft and other on-line gaming even when they're in the same room.
A space for a councellor/social worker to lend a sympathetic ear in relative privacy when required.
There's more, but the above outline gives, I hope, a fair gist of my plan.
The advantage of charity backing is that prices are lower - currently, I'm personally limited to location and frequency based on travel, parking and venue prices.. 3 hours of internet (based on my battery time, so how about access to mains power?) may cost £3.80 for 2 pots of tea, £2.00 parking, plus petrol - say £1.00 for a 3 mile radius, so a rough total of £6.80. If I frequented a venue 5 days a week, that's £34 out of my allowance.. and I'm able bodied! - How about convenient disabled parking, nearby bus routes for the aged, infirm and the ochlophobically challenged?
Charity backing would cover initial setup, wages, stock and advertising, whilst profits would supplement this and contribute to expansion if the idea kicked off..
Incentive for backing would be service to the community, early intervention and therefore overall NHS budget savings for those in need of social support, a venue charities, hobby and interest groups could frequent - scalable fees applied.
I'm looking for ideas, details, pros and cons, positives and outright negatives.. and general, or otherwise, comments from my valued peers here, while I consider the steps I must take to move ahead with my plan.
I value all your input..

 

[Harrison]

On principle, I like the idea. Shall go think on it.

 

[The Penguin]

I do like the idea. I know I want to start many charities when my business does well. I hope you manage to do your idea one day.

 

[Warmheart]

Love, love, love! Yes. This is a super idea! If there is a way to secure transportation for those outside the area, that would be fantastic. My wish and hope is that you may be able to craft this into being. You are an amazing spirit to dream up such a positive, safe space for those isolated with social challenges & sensory sensitivities to be able to comfortably congregate.

 

[Spiller]

Useful don't cover it Warmheart.. brilliant idea! Feasible with small groups perhaps..

 

[watersprite]

I love this idea Spiller. For fund raising as well as awareness raising there could be (?) peaceful, quiet fun runs with the same as your coffee-shops focus of accomodating of every body.

 

[Judge]

Great idea, but I'm stuck on the wrong end of the pond!

 

[AsheSkyler]

Sounds relaxing. Would there be something of a dark room then for the light sensitive ones to go chill in?

And the artsy craftsy side of me wonders if there will be a quilting circle (or other thing) for additional fund raising. All the old ladies near me really get into quilting because they can sit around and gossip. XD

 

[Spiller]

Sounds relaxing. Would there be something of a dark room then for the light sensitive ones to go chill in?

And the artsy craftsy side of me wonders if there will be a quilting circle (or other thing) for additional fund raising. All the old ladies near me really get into quilting because they can sit around and gossip. XD

I do have plans for daytime and evening interest groups Ashe though, due to the main object of my venue, I'd charge Ableds an acceptable standard rate, while the charity backing would make it possible for the less advantaged groups I'm focussing on to attend also.. a lower group price (if not, indeed, free), a bonus system for a free 5th drink, say, plus the first 2 free if you're a member of a support group. I don't know if it's the same in the US, but in the UK McDonalds do a thing where you collect 5 stickers to get a free coffee - I'd give you the extra 2 with the card.. the trick is not to make it look like descrimination against Ableds..
Quiet/dim/private/natural light areas are in the plan too

Edit: I'm thinking of private booths with individual lighting and privacy screens also..

 

[Slithytoves]

You have no idea how much I love this, Spiller. It's a shame Harrison and I will be on the other side of England, because I would work for you in a heartbeat.

The idea of having a social worker on board is a brilliant touch.

I see a high street location as a mixed bag. It would be central, which is great, but in a town with a healthy high street, rents will be steep and parking will be difficult and expensive for those who don't use public transport (or the transport you could provide to those in need). People who are very isolated may not be comfortable having to go to, or may have difficulty navigating, a bustling area. I don't know what town you're in, but is there somewhere closer to the edge of the town center where these obstacles could be overcome? Maybe a place near a bus stop, and/or with its own parking lot? You also want to consider what's around your space. If it's a place near where a lot of teens congregate, your patrons could be subjected to ridicule, especially if kids knew it was a place meant to attract vulnerable populations.

You'll also have to think of a way to deal with people who are homeless. While many homeless people have disabilities and should be included and treated with respect, they may take over the place because of its kindly mission and their not having many other places to go. You'd have to develop a policy that would be fair to them yet not allow their presence to discourage other patrons. You may find that a challenging line to walk if you're very centrally located.

Have you sketched out a rough image of what you would want the layout to be? That would give you an idea of square-footage requirements. If you'd like to play around with ideas, here's a link to a list of interior design sites, some of which are free to use:

18 Best Online Home Interior Design Software Programs (Free & Paid)

How would you go about securing grant funds for the project? I haven't written grant proposals for anything in the UK, but I have experience writing proposals here in the States and would be glad to help you with that piece. I've got a solid background in charity fundraising.

Once you've got some basics figured out, I can tell you about some things I've seen done in places here that might interest you.

 

[AsheSkyler]

I do have plans for daytime and evening interest groups Ashe though, due to the main object of my venue, I'd charge Ableds an acceptable standard rate, while the charity backing would make it possible for the less advantaged groups I'm focussing on to attend also.. a lower group price (if not, indeed, free), a bonus system for a free 5th drink, say, plus the first 2 free if you're a member of a support group. I don't know if it's the same in the US, but in the UK McDonalds do a thing where you collect 5 stickers to get a free coffee - I'd give you the extra 2 with the card.. the trick is not to make it look like descrimination against Ableds..
Quiet/dim/private/natural light areas are in the plan too

Edit: I'm thinking of private booths with individual lighting and privacy screens also..

Lots of places have "loyalty programs". I used to have a card for Arby's. Mmmm, roast beef... Ahem, um, yes. A loyalty program sounds like a good thing. And private booths too! Might want to set some rules on those privacy booths, not all us Aspies hate being touched.

 

[pax]

I think it sounds wonderful. One of the most important things for me would be noise level/ acoustics. Some cafes or shops I will not go into as the music is load or unwelcoming and the furniture is metal, and the acoustics are bad.

 

[Tia Maria]

I think it sounds wonderful. One of the most important things for me would be noise level/ acoustics. Some cafes or shops I will not go into as the music is load or unwelcoming and the furniture is metal, and the acoustics are bad.

I'm curious Pax, what kind of furniture or seating do you find most comfortable in lieu of metal? (Thanks!)

 

[Tia Maria]

Spiller, I have two quick questions for consideration.

1) Approximately how many people on average currently attend the monthly morning coffee meet ups you mentioned?

2) Do you have any projection or guesstimate for what the expected participation rate or daily usage would (or could) be for your initial location? (Excluding abled bodied customers.) Basically how many people on average would you expect to 'serve' daily? Also, on what would you be basing - or how are you deriving - those same estimates of daily usage & participation?

Overall, it's a really lovely idea.

 

[pax]

I'm curious Pax, what kind of furniture or seating do you find most comfortable in lieu of metal? (Thanks!)

Wooden chairs and tables, carpeted flooring. Metal chairs and tables clang horribly, especially on tiling floors. Also drapes or blinds tend to soften acoustics. One cafe I know has glass and metal walls (almost like a greenhouse) , metal tables and chairs, tiling floors. The view is great, but the noise is horrendous.

 

[Tia Maria]

Wooden chairs and tables, carpeted flooring. Metal chairs and tables clang horribly, especially on tiling floors. Also drapes or blinds tend to soften acoustics.

Good to know, thanks! What about wooden tables & chairs on wood flooring instead of carpeting? Also. do you prefer chairs with arms or no arms? I know I love armed chairs BUT they are possibly more constricting for some people.

What about rocking or gliding type chairs?

 

[Spiller]

You have no idea how much I love this, Spiller. It's a shame Harrison and I will be on the other side of England, because I would work for you in a heartbeat.

The idea of having a social worker on board is a brilliant touch.

I see a high street location as a mixed bag. It would be central, which is great, but in a town with a healthy high street, rents will be steep and parking will be difficult and expensive for those who don't use public transport (or the transport you could provide to those in need). People who are very isolated may not be comfortable having to go to, or may have difficulty navigating, a bustling area. I don't know what town you're in, but is there somewhere closer to the edge of the town center where these obstacles could be overcome? Maybe a place near a bus stop, and/or with its own parking lot? You also want to consider what's around your space. If it's a place near where a lot of teens congregate, your patrons could be subjected to ridicule, especially if kids knew it was a place meant to attract vulnerable populations.

You'll also have to think of a way to deal with people who are homeless. While many homeless people have disabilities and should be included and treated with respect, they may take over the place because of its kindly mission and their not having many other places to go. You'd have to develop a policy that would be fair to them yet not allow their presence to discourage other patrons. You may find that a challenging line to walk if you're very centrally located.

Have you sketched out a rough image of what you would want the layout to be? That would give you an idea of square-footage requirements. If you'd like to play around with ideas, here's a link to a list of interior design sites, some of which are free to use:

18 Best Online Home Interior Design Software Programs (Free & Paid)

How would you go about securing grant funds for the project? I haven't written grant proposals for anything in the UK, but I have experience writing proposals here in the States and would be glad to help you with that piece. I've got a solid background in charity fundraising.

Once you've got some basics figured out, I can tell you about some things I've seen done in places here that might interest you.

Hey Slithy, you've pinpointed some good key issues there that I've been considering myself, I still have a lot of information gathering to do before this becomes a solid plan, but I've talked with a number of charity staff members, social workers and service users have expressed keen interest.

I've been considering the high street cafe versus church hall as a venue and my thinking is that it's quite possible I can get a cheap deal on council properties that have been vacant for a while, plus cheaper rent ultimately, as it will have charity status. Conversely, a bustling area could certainly be a problem, as you say, and I have personal experience with overcoming that particular difficulty myself.
My concern with utilising more remote halls is that I'd effectively be segregating my target clientelle from the general public when part of my plan is integration - bringing awareness and acceptance to this group.. not to mention the loss of profit from the latter. Conversely, there is a sense of safety in a remote environment, rental costs would be better (I attended one church hall running an arts and IT coffee group and the church donates the hall one morning per week for free!) and transport, parking/buses/trains, are certainly issues to be considered whatever the location.

The homeless issue is something that I'd like to address, there are a few people on the streets in my area I always give money to, I take your points there.. I'd not want to exclude anyone, so it may well be down to having some fair and sensitive policy in place .

I've talked to managers of several similar projects who've told me that providing a service to the community and relieving strain on the NHS has provided them funding from local NHS and CMHT (Community Mental Health Team), as well as National Lottery and several private companies, so funding should be there once I've done the research and put together a viable business plan.. there's also an issue currently of Government mucking everyone around in this area, but there has been something of a positive media shift toward Mental Health issues, so I'm encouraged..

Thank you for the interior design link, I will check it out.. I've got a 'ghost' plan in my mind for visualisation purposes, but nothing firm until I've investigated a few existing coffee shops and cafes and looked at some vacant properties. When I've got something firm I'll post it here for consideration

 

[Slithytoves]

My concern with utilising more remote halls is that I'd effectively be segregating my target clientelle from the general public when part of my plan is integration - bringing awareness and acceptance to this group.. not to mention the loss of profit from the latter.

Good point. If a charitable enterprise can get rent reduction in a more prime location, that does solve a major concern. The UK system is so much more compassionate than ours is here in the States.

I've talked to managers of several similar projects who've told me that providing a service to the community and relieving strain on the NHS has provided them funding from local NHS and CMHT (Community Mental Health Team), as well as National Lottery and several private companies

Another thing we don't have here, since our health system isn't nationalized. I'm not sure how far you've come with a rough business plan as yet, but just out of curiosity, if you had to describe your vision in a single sentence, how would you?

Since you would have public funding, would you be looking for help from government agencies to alert your target clientele about the existence of your business? From your discussions with other project managers, do you have any indication of whether there is a mechanism currently in place for that sort of communication? I was wondering how you might go about attracting people who are by definition isolated from the community.

Also, what are you thinking in terms of making the place appealing to able-bodied clientele? Would you be expecting that the majority of these would be companions of people in your target market, or would you ideally also be looking to attract customers from the general population? If the latter, have you considered how you would make those customers feel comfortable that your business is also for them? A high street location would have good foot traffic, and revenue from general consumers would certainly help offset your costs. Convincing them that your location would be better than going elsewhere might be tricky if any of the interior that was visible through your windows appeared to be something other than a regular coffee shop. I don't mean to nitpick. I'm just thinking more about your wish for community integration.

Pax makes a very good point about furniture noise. Carpeted flooring and coffee aren't an ideal combination though, even less so with clientele that may have physical disabilities, but attaching felt or another soft substance to the feet of chairs and tables would alleviate the noise problem while still allowing flooring that is easy to clean. It would just mean you would have to replace those pads when worn. Material to do that could be very inexpensive; you'd just have to make sure the staff stay on top of it. If you did have carpeting, accidental spills would be more upsetting to your customers, and require more involved immediate cleanup that would draw attention to the person who made the mess. For people with anxiety issues (which could be most of your client base), this might be distressing.

 

[Spiller]

I think it sounds wonderful. One of the most important things for me would be noise level/ acoustics. Some cafes or shops I will not go into as the music is load or unwelcoming and the furniture is metal, and the acoustics are bad.

Hey Pax, I totally agree with you on noise level and acoustics, as one thing I look for to be able to relax in a cafe is a relatively quiet background noise; I can't filter out the voice of anyone I'm talking to from ambient noise, so find following conversations even more difficult than usual, plus scraping and banging chairs make me jumpy and tense.
Loud music and TV's are also a problem for me, though at a quiet enough level and in a location I can sit far enough away from, I would have Star Trek and such playing.
I'm considering the pro's and con's of wooden furniture and floors over carpeting - I've seen a mixed bag in cafes I've visited and ease of cleaning and maintenance should also be taken into account.

Spiller, I have two quick questions for consideration.

1) Approximately how many people on average currently attend the monthly morning coffee meet ups you mentioned?

2) Do you have any projection or guesstimate for what the expected participation rate or daily usage would (or could) be for your initial location? (Excluding abled bodied customers.) Basically how many people on average would you expect to 'serve' daily? Also, on what would you be basing - or how are you deriving - those same estimates of daily usage & participation?

Overall, it's a really lovely idea.

Hey Tia, fine questions. My Mental Health charity groups averages 6-20 people per group, depending on location, so I might have a group every week plus individuals through-out.. unfortunately Government, in their wisdom, have just withdrawn funding so the charity disbands at the end of March and several hundred service users will be left with no support at all.. I'm wondering how I might fill some of that gap with my own support group/job club/youth club, etc.
My AS/ASD group has 20 or more attendees, including adults and parents of Autistic kids at a coffee morning and an evening meet-up, both once monthly, though this charity is mainly focused on supporting kids and is just a social venue for the adults.

At this stage I don't have numbers, though I know about 50 people within the M/H charity living within a 10 mile radius and am aware that the charity serves about 200 in the same area, plus at least 50 adults and 20 kids with the AS/ASD charity. I need to contact all the other charities I can find in the area too to gauge interest and numbers, plus all GP's surgeries and hospitals for targeted advertising.
I discovered both charities via a Google search - my GP had no knowledge of them, so something I'd like to look into is connecting charities with NHS services by being a connecting hub, this will also be free advertising for me, in addition to building a website.
I also need to come at it from the other end and determine the customer base and average take of standard establishments so I can determine where the two meet in the middle and therefore how much charity funding I'd need to aquire beyond start-up costs.
I can't be less vague at the moment, but time will tell..

 

[Slithytoves]

I need to contact all the other charities I can find in the area too to gauge interest and numbers, plus all GP's surgeries and hospitals for targeted advertising.

That answers my question about outreach/advertising.