I am a regular customer of The Butterfly Café and a friend to everyone who works there.

As many of you know, The Butterfly Café, a nonprofit, has suffered a devastating financial loss of approximately £17,000 due to theft by a former trusted employee. Because of this setback, the café is now struggling to cover the £6,800 fee required to open their outdoor space—an amount that goes directly to the parish. Unfortunately, the parish has informed them that they cannot waive the fee, as it would set a precedent for others in the area.

Without this outdoor space, The Butterfly Café will face a significant financial hit. Summer is their busiest season, and the income generated during these months is crucial to sustaining them through the winter. The team has explored every possible option, but they’ve now reached the point where they won’t be able to open unless this fee is covered.

The outdoor area provides vital revenue that allows the team to continue their incredible support work—helping survivors of abuse and advocating for children in need and care. They are just days away from completing their charity application, which will open doors to additional funding, but unfortunately, this won’t come through before April 1st.

I have personally witnessed the outpouring of support for the café, both since it first opened and again after news of the theft. I truly hope that anyone who can donate or offer assistance will help us reach this target and keep The Butterfly Café going.

Thank you so much. ❤️