A welcoming and safe space for parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) to meet in person and share experiences, support and advice. Somewhere to chat freely with others who 'know what its like', without judgement, and to feel supported.
No diagnosis required; if you suspect SEND or your child is awaiting assessment you are welcome to attend.
Every week we have:
And to entertain any children who you may need to bring along, we have use of...
Come and join us. You'll always find warmth, empathy, kindness and understanding.
Yes - but they remain your responsibility.
We recognise that many of our wonderful SEND children are neurodivergent and may be unable to attend school (temporarily or long term) due to health reasons or their SEND challenges.
Whilst we don’t offer any organised childcare, the venue does have a Soft Play Room, a fantastic Sensory Zone, a Children’s Toy Corner and a fully accessible garden, with much outdoor play equipment, which children are welcome to use during our café sessions. We just ask that they do so respectfully and share these spaces sensitively with any other children present, and that users partake in tidying up the soft play and any other areas before leaving the sessions. Thank you.
Children may also do our craft activities and we have quiet tables to the side for those who might like their own space, or to bring their own entertainment.
Please note: children remain the responsibility of their parent carer whilst on site, and West Berkshire Mencap request that all play facilities are tidied up before the end of the session, by those families that have used them.
Whilst we don't currently officially charge, we DO ask those that attend to donate to contribute towards costs, so we can cover our expenses.
We are not part of West Berkshire Mencap and receive no official funding, so in order to keep running the café, we politely suggest a donation of £3-£5 each time you come.
Donations can be made in cash, or by contactless payment on site.
Set up by a mum with an autistic child, its run by parent-carers, who know first hand how hard raising a SEND child can be, and the additional challenges or isolation that trying to provide well for them can often bring.
Many of us have been there when it comes to trying to secure an EHCP, DLA, Carers allowance or a suitable education / other provision for our awesome children, and are willing to help.
The café offers a safe non-judgemental space in which to share stories, tears, laughter, empathy and advice, so we can all support each other and not feel so alone when we face these sorts of struggles.
You don't need to pre-book. Just 'turn up on the day' - we will monitor how busy we get and if this needs to change.
Typically we get between 6 and 16 parent-carers each time, so numbers vary week to week.
The venue is fully accessible with excellent facilities for wheelchair users. Please contact West Berkshire Mencap directly if you have any specific questions or concerns about accessibility.
There is a good sized car park, with disabled bays close to the entrance, but sessions can get busy, in which case you may need to park on the road nearby. Please park considerately.
“My daughter was diagnosed with Autism this year and it has been a rollercoaster. There have been times when I felt really alone as I felt that those around me just didn't get it. I was sent the details of the SEND cafe by the Autism Advisory Team and decided to be brave and give it a go. I could never have anticipated how amazing it would be. I have found myself looking forward to each cafe. That time on a Friday morning has been a time of respite doing lovely crafts, a time to reflect, a safe place to share things that have happened and of course lovely cake! My mental health is in a much better place and the coffee mornings have definitely contributed to me feeling more positive about the journey ahead. Thank you Leila and team for running this amazing morning and to WB MENCAP for providing a venue.”
Melissa, Newbury
“I really enjoy visiting the café, I find it a really safe place to connect with other parents and relax with many of the lovely activities set out each time. I have found it really interesting and rewarding to hear other people's journeys and share valuable information and ideas. I always leave feeling refreshed, understood and supported. Thank you so much for providing a lovely set up that so many parent carers can benefit from.”
Kelly, Newbury
