London Autism Group Charity launches a new Community Café in Tooting
London Autism Group Charity has launched a new monthly Community Café in Tooting, creating a welcoming local space for autistic people, their families, carers and supporters to meet and connect.
The free café takes place on the second Sunday of every month, 1pm-3pm, at Tooting Grove Community Clubroom, Effort Street, SW17 0QR.
Visitors can enjoy free hot drinks and refreshments, use sensory items, play games, enjoy accessible inclusive activities, meet other members of the local autistic community, or simply spend time relaxing in a friendly and inclusive environment. There is no pressure to socialise or participate in activities, and people are welcome to engage in whatever way feels most comfortable for them.
No formal autism diagnosis is required and there is no need to register in advance. People can simply drop in during the session.
London Autism Group Charity is an autistic-led charity that provides community activities and specialist support across London. Its Community Cafés are designed to reduce loneliness and isolation while giving autistic people and families a safe, accessible and low-pressure place to build local connections.
Dr Chris Papadopoulos, CEO of London Autism Group Charity, said, “We are delighted to have opened a Community Café in Tooting and to establish a stronger presence in South London. Autistic people and their families regularly tell us how important it is to have welcoming local spaces where they can feel understood, meet others with similar experiences and participate without pressure or judgement. We hope the Tooting café will become a valued and lasting part of the local community.”
Tony Boden, a volunteer with the Tooting Community Café, said, “It is wonderful to see the Tooting Community Café up and running. We want it to be a friendly and relaxed place where autistic people, families and carers can come for a drink, meet others or simply enjoy being in an environment where they can be themselves. Everyone is welcome, and we would be very pleased to meet more people from across Tooting and Wandsworth.”
The café is supported by a growing team of local volunteers. London Autism Group Charity also provides Community Cafés and other autistic-led activities in several areas across London, alongside mental health support, accessible walks, workplace support and community events.
To find out more about London Autism Group Charity, including how to volunteer, visit: their website or email contact@londonautismgroupcharity.org
You can also sign up to their newsletter here.