An autistic cafe is celebrating its relaunch following the pandemic.
Members of the National Autistic Society's Café Autisan and Lancashire Centre, based in the grounds of Whalley Abbey, celebrated the relaunch of their indoor café recently.
Café Autisan provides day opportunities for autistic adults as well as workplace training in the café but was forced to close during the pandemic before moving to an outdoor take-away service.
In recent months the service moved to an indoor takeaway and on December 6, the café relaunched with a grand opening day inviting the local community to join the opening celebration.
Children from Whalley’s Church of England Primary School provided entertainment singing Christmas carols while guests mingled over a free mince pie and hot drink.
Scott Gray, team leader, provided an opening speech at the relaunch event.
He said: “Firstly, we would like to thank you all. Not just for coming, not just for attending our reopening – but for supporting us throughout the pandemic.
“When times were difficult, this community kept us alive, and we’re so proud. Proud to belong here, proud to be welcoming you back. And proud that, with your help, we haven’t had to compromise on our mission here at the café.
“Café Autisan takes immense satisfaction in serving this community, but we’re here with you for a reason. We here at Café Autisan are incredibly pleased to be members, and representative, of the National Autistic Society.”
The NAS is the world’s oldest charity advocating for the autistic community by aiming to “transform lives, and change harmful attitudes for the better,” since 1962.
Scott continued: “We believe in empowering people, and in making society accessible – and this café is us acting on this directly. It isn’t just a café, but an accessible workplace and training environment – a space for autistic adults who want to work, who know they can, to build their skills and gather experience in a setting that’s constructive and supportive.
“We take immense satisfaction in that several members of our core staff team, the people who make this café what it is, were once volunteering or supported here. We couldn’t have picked better representatives if we’d tried. They make this all possible. And so do you.
“When you visit our café, be it on occasion or regularly, you’re doing more than sitting in with a coffee. You’re supporting our vision, you’re contributing towards your community; you’re investing in autistic people, and we guarantee you, that’s an investment in a better world.”
Rachel Black, service manager at Café Autisan spoke on what working at the café means to her. She said: “Since starting at Café Autisan, it has given me the chance to feel part of a community again. I feel like I have a purpose, and I’m learning new skills. I am much more confident than I was before I volunteered at Autisan, especially as I’m autistic.
“The staff are supportive, and I look forwards to coming to Autisan every week. After being out of work since leaving school I feel like, having a job at Café Autisan, I’m just like everyone else.”
Following Rachel’s statement, Dan Carey, a café team member, cut the ribbon, marking the official re-opening of the café.
Café Autisan is now fully up and running with table service where everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the festive treats on offer throughout December.
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