A new venture which supports people with learning disabilities and additional support needs fears it faces closure.
Càirdean Café provides a pop-
Their next cafe is this Saturday from 11am.
The project -
But that move has been thrown into doubt as Comhairle nan Eilean has plans to redevelop the premises.
Young people who thrive working in the cafe -
But there is no guarantee the cafe, or other relocated groups, will be allowed to return to the building, particularly if the space they use has been changed.
No other suitable premises in the town centre are available says the committee which is very worried for the future of the initiative.
They are expected to be temporarily offered a room in “another facility” in Bayhead, thought to be within the Bridge Centre, which is believed to be unsuitable for the cafe operation.
A recent council meeting was told of three groups and “a number of activities” currently taking place at Pointers.
The actual figure seems to be closer to around a dozen groups -
Fiona Bradbury, one of the mums grateful for cafe says the initiative “builds up their confidence in dealing with customers and their feeling of belonging.
“As a helper myself it has been very rewarding to see people work as a team to benefit the lives of others. If it wasn’t for Autism Eileanan Siar they wouldn’t have been given this opportunity.”
Donna Shearsmith, chair of the Autism Eileanan Siar committee, highlighted Càirdean Café is about giving volunteers a taster of working in a working environment.
“The setup at Pointers is ideal,” she added.
The space has a counter area with a cash register. There’s appropriate seating and a separate kitchen area.
“We have volunteers who serve behind the counter, aiding their social skills and
using the till to practice money handling and working out change -
She continued: “The space is appropriate and all our volunteers feel comfortable in the building.
“With autism, environments can be problematic, especially for those with sensory issues.
“Having use of a cafe in the town centre also makes us inclusive to all. It is easily accessible to those who use public transport and is wheelchair friendly, both for volunteers and service users.”
At a recent council meeting, Cllr Gordon Murray stressed the importance of consulting with organisations using the St Lennan’s Centre regarding the proposed change of use of the venue.
The comhairle agreed to his request for a formal consultation with affected groups and pledged to take “full account of the needs and requirements” of current groups and users of the ground floor of the building.
The overall vision of a Bairns’ Hoose is that children who have been victims or witnesses to abuse or violence, as well as youngsters under the age of criminal responsibility whose behaviour has caused significant harm or abuse, will have access to recovery and support services which will help them.
The Outer Hebrides was one of six partnerships across Scotland who were successful in their application to be a Bairns Hoose pathfinder. The Scottish Government awarded £188,000 for this financial year to set it up in a suitable environment to deliver services to help youngsters affected by trauma experiences.
The council’s bid to become involved in trialling the pilot project highlighted St Lennans or the Old House ( on Lewis Street) as potential premises.
The cost of renovating the Old House is too expensive while St Lennans seems “more affordable and realistic,” said a council report.
The Bairns’ Hoose project is described as a “transformational, whole-
The overall vision of is that all children in Scotland who have been victims of or witnesses to abuse or violence, as well as children under the age of criminal responsibility whose behaviour has caused significant harm or abuse, will have access to trauma informed recovery, support and justice.
Bairns’ Hoose -
Stornoway cafe run by youngsters with learning disabilities faces uncertain future
4 March 2024
Càirdean Café greatly benefits young islanders with learning disabilities