Keep The Den Open this Summer

Aim

To keep The Den open this summer while we overcome unexpected challenges and continue supporting our community.

Hi, I’m Claire, founder of Coffee, Chat & Support CIC and The Den Coffee House in Taunton.

The Den is much more than a coffee shop. It is a safe, welcoming community space where families of autistic and disabled children can come without fear of judgement. It is somewhere people can access free support, meet others who understand and know they are never alone.

As a SEND mum myself, I understand how isolating and overwhelming life can sometimes feel. My own experiences were the driving force behind creating Coffee, Chat & Support and The Den.

In just over two years, we have supported more than 1,000 families through free advice, peer support, SEND clinics, inclusive activities and community events.

Unfortunately, we have recently faced unexpected challenges that have placed enormous financial pressure on our organisation. These circumstances were unforeseen and have left us needing help to bridge the summer months while we secure The Den’s future.

The school holidays also bring additional challenges for SEND families. As a SEND mum, my children need more of my time and support at home while we navigate changes to routine, the long summer break and everything that comes with it. This means I cannot simply increase my working hours to cover the unexpected financial gap without taking time away from my children when they need me most.

We are not giving up.

We have exciting plans for the future, including expanding our services, creating more opportunities for SEND families and continuing our vision of making Taunton one of the UK’s most inclusive towns.

Every donation, no matter how small, will help us:

• Keep The Den open throughout the summer.
• Cover essential running costs such as rent, utilities and insurance.
• Continue providing free support and advice to families.
• Protect a safe and welcoming space that so many people rely on.

If you have visited The Den, received support from Coffee, Chat & Support, attended one of our groups, or simply believe every family deserves somewhere they belong, we would be incredibly grateful for your support.

If you are unable to donate, sharing our campaign with friends, family and colleagues would mean just as much.

Together, we can ensure The Den continues to be a place where everyone is welcome and no family has to feel alone.

Thank you for believing in us and helping us keep The Den open this summer. ❤️

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 26th August 2026 at 5:54pm