GROW Van Gogh

GROW Van Gogh

Our cafe was doing so well and 2020 seemed like our year to thrive. We had a lot to celebrate. Our food got noticed, we were in Vogue, Conde Naste traveller and the Guardian; and our social mission was going from strength to strength. 

We'd secured funding for a job coach and we'd raised money for a new bar area, so we could start to train our delegates in barista skills. We'd sought and appointed a new co-owner, Bonita De Silva, who is also our head chef. Bonita has a wealth of experience in putting together tantalising vegan menus.

Covid

Then things changed for us overnight. The pause button was hit on all of our activities. We ceased trading, our staff team was furloughed and our training programmes were put on hold.  And now we are plotting a route to ensure we'll stay viable in a post covid world. 

What we do

We're a not for profit community interest company, which very basically means that our social purpose is stronger than our desire to make tonnes of cash. It's important to us that we consider all of our business decisions, and make the right ethical choices for our local community, the environment, our staff, customers and trainees. 

Why we need your help

Which is why we find ourselves here, asking for your support. We are trying to raise £5000 . These vital funds would plug the lost 6 months gap in our revenue stream and help us to pay part of the salary of our newly appointed job coach and day to day overheads at the cafe.

Supporting our trainees

The job coach's role is crucial in supporting our trainees (adults and young people with learning disabilities) to gain skills for employment, such as barista training, customer service, food prep and kitchen porterage.

Free vegan cooking classes

Any additional funds that we receive will go towards our cooking on a budget classes. These are free vegan cooking classes aimed at people in food poverty.