Waffle Lyme

We are raising funds to set up 'Waffle Lyme,' a community Waffle House in Lyme Regis, in partnership with volunteers from Lyme Regis Baptist Church.

The Waffle House is a 100% non-profit café and community space with a menu which centres around its trademark Liège waffles from a secret family recipe.

'Waffle' was established in Axminster five years ago as a not-for-profit organisation with the goal of creating a home for the unseen, unheard, and unwanted, and serving as a base for community outreach to improve social health. We are dedicated to combating loneliness and supporting communities to become more connected at every level. Since then, we have partnered with the NHS and RE to set up a Waffle House in the unused canteen of Seaton Hospital. 

Now, we have the opportunity to bring our mission to Lyme Regis, working alongside the amazing initiatives already present in the town.

With our energetic group of local volunteers and close collaboration with NHS social prescribers, we aim to continue our mission of fostering adventurous, everyday conversations that build relationships and enhance wellbeing. We believe every friendship starts with a (sometimes slightly waffly and risky) interaction.

• Reintroducing or establishing community assets (like a Post Office)
  
  
• Encouraging young people to engage in more adventurous conversations through school workshops
  
  
• Providing opportunities to connect with the loneliest members of the community, whether it’s helping to trim a hedge or fix an iPhone
  
  

As three young(ish!) directors who grew up in the local area (two of us attended school in Lyme), we take great pride in our community and recognize its tremendous potential.

We understand the skepticism surrounding organisations that combine business and charity elements. However, we are committed to operating as a 100% not-for-profit entity, meaning all our revenue goes back into the communities we serve. 

Our goal is to build strong, connected communities. If we ever sell the business, the equipment and assets will belong to the community.

To maintain simplicity and transparency, our directors have decided not to be paid more than the living wage. We exist solely due to the generosity of our communities, and we take our accountability to them seriously.

While we love our operational model, it means we don't carry any spare cash. Each new project requires fundraising to get off the ground. With your support, we can furnish and equip Lyme Regis Waffle House!

Three ways you can help us:

•  Donate to our crowdfunding project - every little helps!
•  Help us spread the word about our project with friends, family, neighbours
•  Help us tell our story - if you are from the media, we can share a press release or would love to share our story, just get in touch ([email protected])

If you have any questions, we love an excuse for a waffle, so please reach out!

www.waffle.org.uk

Waffling can teach us to be better listeners | Matt Smith | TEDxBridport