GoVanGogh needs to raise money to refurbish our bar area. Currently we do not have the appropriate space to train people with additional challenges in life. The lower ground bar area is really cramped and restricted. With these renovations, we will be able to increase the amount of people that we can provide training to. Lambeth Cllr Paul Gadsby: “The Van Gogh Cafe has been a wonderful addition to my ward in the past four years. Not only is the food outstanding and original: it has a real community focused outlook employing local people and talent. The planned expansion of the Cafe in order to offer training for young people with disabilities is another demonstration of their positive outlook”

What we'll deliver:

• Refurbishment of the whole lower ground and bar area to create a bespoke training environment
• Create a specialist barista training area (the Coffee Pod)
• Build a customised upholstered bench with storage for community cookery equiptment
• Install disability friendly bar worktops

Why it's a great idea:

The GoVanGogh project makes it possible to create more space to train more adults who wants a job but need the skills to get one! The barista and custom service training combined with being part of a friendly working team enable trainees to focus on independence, communication and self-help skills whilst preparing for entering the job market. We work in conjunction with three charities who run programmes of on-the-job training providing support and confidence to seek paid employment. The cafe provides paid employment if the opportunity arises.

Steps to get it done:

• Run a consultation workshop with our stakeholders. (the charities / school we work with and their users)
• Liaise with our architect partners, and devise a project management plan, and team.
• Select a local builder from our quotations
• Set a timescale, and close the business to allow the works to take place
• Refurbishment takes place, work is monitored in conjunction with architect and project teams
• Opening party ! Invite all of our stakeholders to come and join us in celebrating our new space

This past year we have worked with the local firm Formation Architects creating the design and drawings for our new front of house area. Formation Architect's CSR team, Formation Community, won the Heart of the City Lord Mayor’s Dragon Award at the Mansion House on 24th September 2019. The Dragon Awards celebrate businesses that are achieving excellence in social impact in Greater London and, the Heart of the City Award reflects the impact that Formation Architects are making in our local community. The cafe has also worked closely together with Highshore school, a local complex mixed needs special secondary, since 2017 . We have been collaborating with Nick Clark the school's Business & Communications Liaison Officer in order to providing suitable work related learning and work experience to the school's young people. Peter yr 11: “Doing the job was really fun, I’d like to work in a café when I leave school." Mohamed, Yr11 “I was anxious meeting people but it got easier”