Media Information

 

SOUTHWARK COMMUNITY PROJECT PERKED UP WITH RSA COFFEEHOUSE CHALLENGE FUNDS

A scheme to improve the safety of those with learning disabilities in Southwark has been given a boost by a grant of £2,000 from the RSA Coffeehouse Challenge.

From Glasgow to Devon, nearly 220 groups of people have come together over the summer in Starbucks coffee houses and other venues to discuss and find ways of tackling specific issues in their local area.  The initiative, in its fourth year, is called the RSA Coffeehouse Challenge and this year alone more than 2,000 people including RSA Fellows, Starbucks customers and other community stakeholders have participated.  

The most innovative of the ideas discussed around the UK were yesterday (11 December) awarded development funding totalling £24,000 sponsored by Starbucks and T-Mobile at the Coffeehouse Challenge Awards.

In Southwark, learning disabilities charity Choice Support initiated a ‘Keep Safe’ discussion in the Dog Kennel Hill Starbucks to build safer and more cohesive communities following several high profile cases of hate crimes against people with learning disabilities over the last year. The first Coffeehouse Challenge event, which was facilitated by people with learning disabilities, was so successful in encouraging inclusion, tolerance and understanding of vulnerable people that the local authority has since funded a further 16 discussions in the borough.

 Steven Rose, FRSA and Chief Executive of Choice Support, said: “Although the tragic cases of the manslaughter of Raymond Atherton and Steven Hoskin in Warrington and Cornwall are extreme, unfortunately violence, bullying and harassment are routine, day-to-day facts of life for many people with learning disabilities.

 “The reason we took part in the Coffeehouse Challenge was because we realise that, although government policy is essential, we also believe that the real solution to these problems lies in strong cohesive communities. The Challenge seemed like an ideal opportunity to encourage this. We’re delighted to receive the award as it helps us take the issue forward in other areas.  Many people aren’t aware it’s such a big problem, and we can now hold more discussions to get people with roots in the community to discuss solutions to breaking down barriers and foster understanding.

 “As a result of the discussions in this area, we’ve seen steps in the right direction happening, such as individuals arranging for their local warden or police community support officer to pop round for a cup of coffee, while other young people with learning difficulties are developing solutions that will bring them together with other young people to address issues of understanding.”

 On the 28 November 2007, over 100 people attended Choice Support’s ‘Keeping Safe – A Community Conversation’ at Milwall Conference Centre.

 According to Mencap, 23 per cent of people in the UK with learning disabilities have been assaulted because of their disability, yet the Crown Prosecution Service recorded only 57 successful prosecutions for such crime between April and September 2007.

 The RSA Coffeehouse Challenge was launched in 2004, exactly 250 years after the founder of the RSA held its first meeting in a coffee house in London.   Today the organisation runs a series of projects, lectures and other events supporting innovation, creativity and positive change in society.

 Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the RSA said:  “It is difficult for individuals to feel they can make a difference to their community, whether it’s because they don’t know where to start or whether it’s because they feel one person can’t make a difference. That is why the Coffeehouse Challenge works so well by providing a public space for everyone to come together to tackle issues directly, rather than waiting for others or wonder how to get involved. We are pleased to be able to contribute to the vitality of communities by setting this up and helping to get projects off the ground with awards.” 

 Phil Broad, Starbucks Coffee Company managing director, said: “Starbucks is committed to contributing to the communities it serves, which is why we’re enabling people to come together to discuss local issues over a cup of coffee. We are proud to have been involved in the RSA Coffeehouse Challenge Awards and help bring about positive change at a local level across the country.”

 For more information, please contact Lorraine Murphy, Paratus Communications, 0207 404 6691 or lmurphy@paratuscommunications.com

Notes to Editors

The Coffeehouse Challenge is an RSA initiative in collaboration with Starbucks.

 About the RSA:

The RSA (originally the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) has been the home of debate for over 250 years, encouraging people to broaden their horizons with stimulating discussion of challenging ideas.  Through its programme of projects and lectures, the RSA confronts the complex issues facing today’s world with initiatives effecting real and lasting change.  Drawing on an influential network of leaders from every field and background, the RSA is a linchpin for ideas, innovation and change – locally, nationally and internationally.  Visit www.theRSA.org

 About Starbucks:

Starbucks Coffee Company provides an uplifting experience that enriches people’s lives one moment, one human being, one extraordinary cup of coffee at a time. To share in the experience, visit www.starbucks.co.uk.