Miss Tilley's - promoting equality, celebrating diversity (and great cakes!)

If you're looking for somewhere in Rhiwbina to meet up over a coffee and cake there are plenty of choices. But one you may not be so familiar with is Miss Tilley's Community Café based in the  Margaret Whittaker Lounge at Beulah Church.

Miss Tilley's was set up by namesake Laura Tilley, with her friends and family, having recognised young people with disabilities and the neuro diverse community find it very challenging to find employment after leaving school or college. They were particularly concerned about the negative impact this was having on youngsters, resulting in issues such as isolation and self-worth.

Putting their ideas into action, Miss Tilley's was born. Local churches with café facilities were asked if pop up café services could be provided during their quiet times. In 2016 the first café began in Beulah, with a second following at the Ararat Church, Whitchurch, in 2017.

In addition to the Cardiff pop up cafés, Miss Tilley’s Community Interest Company (CIC) runs a baking group in The Canolfan Kitchen where the team learn how to make their signature cakes. Team member Freddie is employed on their Work Advocacy Programme as Miss Tilley’s Baker and bakes the weekly specialty cakes which are on sale in the cafés. The CIC also runs a seasonal craft group where team members can learn craft skills and make gifts to sell at Christmas, Easter and other key times of the year.

The ethos of the CIC is to demonstrate everyone has valuable skillsets to share and that communities can play an important role in supporting people, whatever their needs, to learn and to find employment, friendship and a sense of purpose, whilst also celebrating "people's individuality, promoting independence and self-esteem". 

Any local businesses who would like to consider creating supportive employment or work experience opportunities for any of Miss Tilley's Team are invited to get in touch with them at misstilleys@gmail.com or on 07525 927093.

The issues facing young people with disabilities are not, however, restricted to employment. The Miss Tilley's community comprises many parents who face barriers and bureaucracy on a daily basis in attempting to give their children the same opportunities as others take for granted. Obtaining housing, financial support and education are all complex processes with no clear pathways or help for those with disabilities.

Miss Tilley's Community Café @The Margaret Whitaker Lounge, Beulah United Reformed Church, Beulah Road is open Mondays 9.30-12 and Tuesdays 10-12.30. Miss Tilley's Café at Ararat Baptist Church, Whitchurch is open Fridays 10-12.30. The cafés sells hot and cold drinks, snacks and freshly baked cakes, all at very reasonable prices.

Photographs courtesy of Miss Tilley's.