Cafelias - The inclusive, accessible space

What are we going to use the money for?

The money raised will go towards investing in equipment and setting up a pop-up version of Cafélias between spring and summer 2023. The money will specifically be used to:

1) Run a pop-up café where we test out some of our recipes (and get feedback!) particularly for children and weaning babies. We will also serve food that caters to those who need altered food textures (purée, fork-mashed etc)

2) Invest in equipment/materials to create a play space.

The play space will include alternative communication tools, sensory toys and specialised chairs for different types of physical abilities.

3) Host events to extend our reach in the community and identify with more of local residents. This will also help us network more effectively to find a location to work out of, starting in summer 2023

4) Invest in Cafélias-branded merchandise, which will be sold on our website to help raise more funds that will be invested back into Cafélias

What is Cafélias trying to do?

Oxford currently lacks social spaces catering to the specific needs of people, especially children, with alternative abilities.  The concept is to create an inclusive, accessible space that reduces barriers for carers and people with alternative abilities. 

Our mission is to reduce the isolation of living with (dis)abilities and nurture neurodiversity in Oxford and the surrounds with food, fun and community. A space where the staff understand the challenges you have faced, are facing and will face. Sometimes you just need to be heard, ask for some advice or sit, rest and be fed.

In the short-term we want to provide more opportunities for children aged 0 -5 years and their families to navigate life with alternative abilities (follow our blog to read stories from the community). Our long-term aim will be to become an employer for people with learning difficulties or who are neurodiverse, and equalise their opportunities for meaningful employment.

Why are we doing this?

Cafélias (Caf-eh-lee-ahs) was created in honour of our son, Elias, who died in 2021. He had a genetic condition, Williams-Beuren Syndrome, which affected his heart. He has an identical twin brother (aged 2) who survives and now grows with his own alternative abilities. They also have an older sibling who is aged 4.

My name is Naz and I have been working as a doctor for ten years. As the mother of a child with alternative abilities, and a healthcare professional, I have learnt first-hand the challenges that Oxford families face to get access to equitable opportunities for their children. I also know how desperately the families of children with alternative abilities need opportunities to socialise and have respite from juggling the many demands on their time. This is why I have founded Cafelias.

I am training as a medical specialist for the healthcare needs of older people. In my medical training, I see many people with dementia, Parkinson's Disease, strokes and multiple conditions of older age. The needs of older people, although different, require similar solutions as those that support young people with alternative abilities. 

There are simple changes that can be made to cafè environments that make them more accessible to all. That includes: specialist equipment such as supported chairs with easy to click straps, food designed for people with swallowing difficulties, safe places to explore, make mess and noise or conversely, find calm. 

Who is supporting us so far?

We already have support from local charities and social groups. These networks will help us create a strong foundation of collaboration and learning from our peers. We are being supported by the eScalate programme and incubator programme, to maximise our impact and development.  

You can find out more, subscribe to our newsletters and blog updates, and contact us on our webpage www.cafelias.co.uk