Why we need your help:
We’re a family-run social enterprise* that’s been at the heart of the community in Low Fell, Gateshead supporting families for almost 4 years now. For most of that time we’ve been running successfully with a mix of income from the café, community rooms and grant funding. However, times are tough and recently we have been struggling with huge overheads, more competition on the high street and less grant funding.
We want to keep our doors open to continue to support the community but we can’t do it without your support.
We’re asking for you to help us raise £10,000 to help support us over the next 4 months while we apply for new grant funding.
A reminder of what we do:
Our vision was, and is, to create a fun-filled family hub, focusing on families with babies and young ‘uns, but with an open door to everyone in our community. Our cafe is open 6-days a week serving scrummy home-made goodies, and our community rooms play host to a range of activities - over 50 hours per week in fact. These range from Pilates, yoga and exercise classes for the grownups, to baby massage, sign and sensory and baby yoga ; to music and dance classes for toddlers ; to Maths & English tutoring, and free after school activities.
We host regular evening social events, including craft sessions and community choir practice - and our community rooms are available for hire to anyone who’d like to kick off something new for people who live in the area; or for anyone who wants a quirky venue for private parties.
Things we do that maybe you didn’t know about:
So, you already know it’s not only about impressive cakes and fabulous coffees. But there are a few more things we have done that we are really proud of but don’t like to shout – here’s a taster;
· Holiday Hunger: we serve FREE breakfast in the Community Rooms throughout the summer holidays to do our bit to help with holiday hunger;
· Psychotherapy: we provide FREE psychotherapyfor mums that are really struggling following the arrival of their little one;
· Classes: if you tell us you can’t afford them, we provideaccess to classes for FREE;
· Environment: we are really environmentally conscious: we have reduced our use of plastic, all takeaway products are compostable including our straws, napkins and paper bags are made from recycled products and bottomless glasses of water are available at all times – we care about the environment as well as the humans in it!
· Dietary Requirements:we know eating out can be a challenge if you or your child has particular dietary needs so we cater for as many as we can… we have 6 different types of milk!
We do all this because we were set up as a community interest company to support families who are dealing with the often wonderful but frequently overwhelming, life changing and emotionally draining early days, weeks, months and years of parenthood. The feedback we get is that this is a vital resource for parents, a judgment free space where they can access support (and coffee not to mention our fabulous cakes!).
What our community say about us:
“I am eternally grateful to The Nest for providing me with counseling for the birth trauma I suffered from. The funding helped me to have six weekly sessions with a specialist counselor which helped towards my recovery” Emma Reeves
“I honestly don’t know how I would have survived maternity leave without this place. Yes the food is delicious and the coffee amazing, but the friendly staff, the baby groups (especially Babba Club) and the wonderful community is what made this place so special to me. I made nearly all of my parent friends here and even when I go in on my own there is always a smile and a welcome from other customers and staff. A real gem of a place that Low Fell really can’t do without. Please go visit and support this great community space.” Jennifer Mason
“An absolute lifeline for me as a pregnant lady then a new mother - I attended lots of baby classes, met some great friends there (including the lovely staff) and still visit often for the best cake around!” Laura McLoughlin
How can you help?:
As well as donating, you are helping us to do this with every purchase so go on have that extra piece of cake, tell your friends about lunches (we offer takeaway so it doesn’t matter if they don’t like kids!), choose local over chain for your caffeine fix… it’s all in the name of a good cause!
No matter how much you can give, it will all help.
Thanks
Lee and the team x
*What’s a social enterprise? It’s a cross between a charity and a normal business, and it means we re-invest all our profits to support local families. We do this through subsidised activities and one-to-one support, meaning every time you buy a cuppa at The Nest you’re actively supporting your community. Go you!