The Last Cuppa (TLC) is a recently formed community interest company aimed at helping people experiencing long-term unemployment because of complex health and social issues to reintegrate into the community. It proposes to provide transitional support for adult residents of Barnet who have been in receipt of services addressing issues such as drug and alcohol misuse, mental health problems, domestic violence and criminal justice through vocational training linked to recognized qualifications and skills; functional literacy; life skills; and work experience. The objective is to add to support for people transitioning from long periods of dysfunction, leading to varying degrees of social isolation; broken family relationships; low self-esteem; incarceration; homelessness; financial problems; and unemployment.

In partnership with Trinity Church, TLC is proposing to establish a community café, the subject of this application, at the church’s site in N12, to be run predominantly by volunteers, including people from drug/alcohol services and other recovery mechanisms. To be located in an area attached to a concourse capable of seating 70 customers, the café will have a potential footfall of 1,500 per week, being the number of people who participate in non-denominational classes or attend clubs, support groups and meetings at the church. It will double up as a safe and sensitive space in which local community groups can meet; facilitate social, cultural and educational events; and act as an information hub, signposting to other services.