Cafe Sobar is awarded grant from the National Lottery Community Fund

Double Impact and Cafe Sobar are delighted to announce that the National Lottery Community Fund have awarded us a grant for three years to further develop Cafe Sobar into a community asset and improve social inclusion for people recovering from drug and alcohol problems. The funding will pay for a full-time staff post who will develop community engagement and partnerships, coordinate the cafe’s volunteering scheme for people with barriers to employment and develop its range of social opportunities for the local recovery community.

Cafe Sobar, an alcohol-free cafe and entertainment venue, celebrated its 6th birthday at the end of January and aims to provide a safe space for people to socialise without the pressures of alcohol, whilst reducing social isolation. and building a range of skills for people in recovery to improve their future prospects.

MP for Nottingham South, Lilian Greenwood, who recently spoke at the charity’s annual Spirit of Recovery Awards hosted by the cafe, said –

"I’m so pleased that Café Sobar has been awarded funds raised through National Lottery players – it offers choice for many sections of the community who appreciate the alcohol-free environment, as well as providing work experience for people with significant barriers to employment. It’s a great asset for Nottingham."

Graham Miller, CEO of the charity, said

"We are really pleased that the National Lottery Community Fund have decided to continue to support Cafe Sobar. They have been involved with the enterprise from the start, and it’s fantastic that they recognise the value which it brings, not just to local people in recovery, but to the wider community. We really welcome this opportunity to develop the social impact of the project and secure the future of the cafe so that it can be enjoyed by all in the years to come."

Cafe Sobar runs regular events aimed at people in recovery and their friends and families, as well as hosting self-help groups and a range of community events in the building.