Cafe for neurodiverse youth to open in Middlesbrough

The Glowsticks Project, founded by Rebecca Ibbotson, is launching a new Café & Hub in Middlesbrough town centre at Unit 13, Dundas Shopping Centre—the former Orchard Café location.

The grand opening is scheduled for Monday, 10th March, at 11.30am.

Work is currently underway on the new Glowsticks Project cafe (Image: GLOWSTICKS PROJECT) Established as a registered charity, the project has been working since April of last year to create a supportive environment where neurodiverse young people can gain meaningful employment.

The café aims to provide roles as baristas and offer comprehensive training in areas such as food hygiene, health and safety, first aid, and manual handling.

Notably, 85% of the current staff and volunteers are individuals with autism and learning disabilities.

Rebecca Ibbotson, founder of the Glowsticks Project (Image: GLOWSTICKS PROJECT) Beyond its employment initiatives, the facility will have a sensory room and an ice cream bar, designed to be welcoming spaces where children and young people can feel comfortable and free from judgment.

The hub will also host a variety of supportive activities, including art and music therapy sessions, arts and crafts, cookery lessons, adult autism socials, male ADHD support groups, and a dedicated Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) group led by professionals.

Rebecca, who herself has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD, emphasises the importance of such a service.

She said: “It’s a desperately needed service to support them.”

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The organisation’s board of trustees is also built up of 70% neurodiverse people.

The grand opening event will feature refreshments and tours of the facility, including the sensory room.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the staff and young people involved in the project, many of whom are eager to share their experiences.