A GREAT Redditch social enterprise has been nominated for a National Diversity Award.
Nine Tea Cups in Astwood Bank is a multi-strand community organisation that not only bakes delicious ‘free from’ cakes and goodies but also runs a range of services from helping adults with autism to assisting victims of domestic violence.
Founded in 2010 by Hannah Prendergast, it’s very much a family affair with mum Zahra and sister Maxine all part of the team.
The business has two distinct branches – a specialist gluten-free, dairy-free home bakery, and a network of support services available to anyone on a self-referral basis.
“We had experience of working abroad where, if you run a business, you contribute more to the community,” said Hannah.
“We though it would be really nice to create a business where people could come and get food and know that the support is there, or, they could buy a cake and know that they are helping the community.”
They looked to find where support could be given and discovered there was a gap in adult autism services, and from there, things steadily took off.
“It’s human to want support and too often people don’t get it when they need it, only when things really start falling apart,” said Hannah.
Nine Tea Cups now runs community fitness classes twice a week for seniors and groups, with smaller classes for disabled people and those with chronic illnesses, in addition to offering one-to-one support.
It’s also working with a Birmingham-based domestic violence charity to deliver workshops about trauma recovery.
“This week has been a busy spell – manning the bakery and the rise in domestic violence after the footy has, unfortunately, left us snowed under,” said Hannah.
To contact Nine Tea Cups, whether for support or to discover their amazing bakery, visit: https://nineteacups.com/
