A caring coffee shop which provides its community with an inclusive environment has opened after receiving a £25,000 loan from The Growth Company.
The Northenden coffee shop, named Salutem, focuses on mental wellbeing and provides an environment catered for people with learning difficulties and autism, with low-lighting, quiet music, and communication aids designed to avoid sensory overload.
Salutem also offers classes and workshops surrounding mental wellbeing, from pottery lessons to seminars on mental health, and hopes to host coding classes for autistic people, helping to develop IT skills and sociability.
Rachel Parkinson, founder and owner of Salutem, said: “Having worked with people with learning difficulties and as an emotional wellbeing practitioner, I know the importance of spaces like this.
“At Salutem, we want to make a difference in everything we do; from our coffee and snacks – which are locally and ethically sourced – to our ethos of putting people first and supporting them, we care about the community.”
The loan from GC Business Finance enabled the Salutem to refurbish the property with renovations to create a calm and inclusive space, from comfortable seating, easier bathroom access and a sensory corner.
Ms Parkinson said: “The loan has helped me to realise my dream of having an impact and changing people’s lives.
“Not only did they provide the funding, which was key to getting the door open, they have also been giving great support to me and the business.”
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“In particular, the workshops and business mentoring provided by the Growth Company has really helped me to understand how to run a successful company.”
GC Business Finance said it was “truly pleased” to invest in the business.
Alex Mearns, GC Business Finance loans manager for start-up loans, said: “From hearing the idea to meeting Rachel, the passion and desire to positively impact the community are immediately clear.
“In providing the finances for Salutem, we were happy to be able to support where the banks couldn’t, in order to support such an inclusive, forward-thinking business.”