Woodlands Coffee Shop Project

by Friends of Woodlands in Plymouth, United Kingdom

Total raised £11,490

raised so far

+ est. £1041.25 Gift Aid

90

supporters
Support
Flexible funding – this project will receive all pledges made by 25th November 2024 at 8:59am

Help us build a community coffee shop at Woodlands School, supporting students to develop skills, social interaction, and independence.

Project by Friends of Woodlands

We're still collecting donations

On the 25th November 2024 we'd raised £10,930 with 78 supporters in 0 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.

Who are we?

Woodlands School serves 88 children aged 2 to 19 with significant physical and sensory difficulties and complex medical conditions, such as significant epilepsy management needs (60%), significant visual impairment (50%), significant hearing impairment (33%) and respiratory support needs (35%).

Our school is a vital resource for the South West peninsula, welcoming pupils from Plymouth, Devon, and Cornwall. We pride ourselves on fostering high expectations, an enabling curriculum, and a strong emphasis on independence and self-actualisation. This ensures our pupils leave with not only qualifications but also the skills necessary for a fulfilling life.

What are we Crowdfunding for?

As part of our commitment to providing real-world learning experiences for students, we are excited to announce the development of a community coffee shop within our school. We are raising funds to establish a café that will serve as a dynamic learning environment and social hub for our students and the local community. This space will provide students with work experience, social interaction opportunities, and opportunities to develop independence.

Who will benefit?

The coffee shop will transform the way our students learn and interact, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among students, staff, and visitors. This project will particularly focus on our older students who are preparing for adulthood, providing practical learning experiences, such as money management, customer service, independence, and teamwork, encouraging students to develop skills and confidence necessary for a successful transition into adulthood and the workplace.

Children from Woodlands working together to design the Full of Beans Logo

Children from Woodlands working together to design the Full of Beans Logo

The project will benefit not only our students and their families but also the wider community. It will provide opportunities for local businesses or organisations to work with our students to teach them about where their food comes from, sustainability and promote local suppliers and producers. Furthermore, the coffee shop will create an accessible space for the local community to connect, collaborate, and grow together.

What will the money be spent on?

We will be constructing a sustainable building to house the "Full of Beans" Coffee Shop, which will serve as a vital learning and social hub for our students. We have identified an ideal location on the school grounds, accessible by parents and students from all three schools in the Woodview Learning Community, as well as the local community.

A SIP Building on a grass field surrounded by trees.

Building & Installation Costs: The building will be constructed using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), a sustainable and energy-efficient method that reduces both wastage and environmental impact.

Groundworks: To provide essential services, we will need to install a sufficient power supply, water connection, and waste disposal. This involves trench excavation, laying the necessary utilities, and connecting them to existing school infrastructure. Grounds will be carefully reinstated to their original state with tarmac or grass once installation is complete.

Internal Installation: We will transform the unit into a fully functional coffee shop, including the installation of kitchen units, worktops, sinks, and electrical supplies. We will also install safety flooring and internal decoration to create a safe, hygienic, and visually appealing space.

Accessibility: To ensure inclusivity, we will install a composite decking access ramp, allowing level access for all students, staff, and visitors. We will also ensure that kitchen units are are accessible to students who use mobility aids. 

What difference will the project make?

The project will equip students with essential skills to build financial resilience and independence. Through hands-on experience in running the coffee shop, students will develop key financial literacy skills, such as handling transactions, budgeting, and managing basic business operations. These experiences will help them become more financially responsible.

A student making a coffee using an espresso machine

We recognise that many people with disabilities face challenges in accessing employment, and therefore this project will provide practical work experience in customer service, teamwork, and food preparation to enhance students' employability, particularly in the hospitality sector. By navigating real-world tasks, students will gain confidence and competence in workplace settings, strengthening their personal and economic development.

Project outcomes:

  • Skill Development: Students will gain practical experience in customer service, food preparation, and money handling, essential for future employment, particularly in the hospitality industry.
  • Increased Independence: The project will foster independence by allowing students to manage daily tasks in a real-world setting, boosting confidence and self-sufficiency.
  • Financial Literacy: Students will learn important money management skills, from handling transactions to budgeting, contributing to their financial resilience.
  • Employment Readiness: Through barista and customer service training, students will be better prepared for employment opportunities, especially within the hospitality sector.
  • Community Engagement: The coffee shop will serve as a social hub, strengthening the sense of community and inclusion by connecting students, staff, and visitors.
  • Sustainability Awareness: By using local produce and eco-friendly materials, students will learn about sustainable practices, encouraging environmentally responsible behaviours.


How can you help?

We have already raised nearly £10,000 through sponsored events, but as we approach grant-giving organisations, we need to show that we have the support of the wider community to strengthen our bids for further funding. 

You can show your support in three important ways:

1. Donate to our Crowdfunder: Whether it is £5 or £500, each donation will make a significant difference. We have a range of exciting rewards which give you the opportunity to be the first in line when we open. PLUS... Thanks to the Aviva Community Fund, each donation (up to £250, one per person) will be match-funded, up to a total of £50,000 in match funding, doubling the impact of each contribution.

2. Share our Crowdfunder: We want to share the message as far and wide as possible, so please share our project with your friends and family! We would also value any introductions you may be able to make with local businesses who may be able to help us reach our goal.

3. Join our fundraising team: To help us reach our fundraising target, we are continuing to raise funds through sponsored events and activities. Drop us a message to find out more and join the team.

The Full of Beans Logo

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Rewards

This project offers rewards in return for your donation.

£15 or more

Latte Lover

A voucher for one free hot drink once the café opens.

£30 or more

Coffee and Cake Lover

A voucher for one free hot drink and a slice of cake once the café opens.

£75 or more

Mug Club

Get an exclusive reusable mug and a voucher for one free hot drink and a slice of cake.

£100 or more

Supporter Package

Get an exclusive reusable mug, a voucher for one free hot drink and a slice of cake (x2), and a special thank-you card from one of our students.

£250 or more

Community Champion

Get an exclusive reusable mug, a voucher for one free hot drink and a slice of cake (x3), a certificate of appreciation, and a social media spotlight on your business/organisation as a community partner.

£500 or more

Business Supporter

You will receive a certificate of appreciation for display at your business, a personalised plaque in our coffee shop, and an invitation to our grand opening. We will also feature your business in our school newsletter highlighting your support, and offer asocial media spotlight on your business/organisation as a community partner.

£1,000 or more

Founder's Circle

You will receive a certificate of appreciation, a personalised plaque in our coffee shop, and an invitation to our grand opening. We will also feature your business in our school newsletter highlighting your support, and offer a social media spotlight on your business/organisation as a community partner. Plus, an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the coffee shop for up to 5 people, including a free hot drink and slice of cake each.

Show your support

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