Cart
0
£0.00
How it began...
Left to right: Katie Blake, Lisa Gurr, Lisa Newton
In 2022, psychotherapeutic counsellor Lisa Newton and humanistic counsellor Lisa Gurr came together to sow the seeds that would grow to become The Mind Tree Cafe.
So two years ago a Go Fund Me page was created to help kick-start the project and you can support by donating here.
Setting up as a Community Interest Company (CIC) meant that any profit made will be used to benefit the community. Read more about CICs and see our journey below.
Why a Community Interest Company?
In short we thought long and hard and after much research realised a charity structure would be limiting. As CICs must have a 'social purpose' and are 'not-for-profit' - this was the perfect fit for The Mind Tree Cafe, as we can reinvest and benefit the community.
Our purpose is to promote health and well-being in a variety of ways. This could be counselling, offering space hire for an activity or providing space for a cup of tea with some friends!
CICs are regulated by the Community Interest Company Regulations and are registered with Companies House. They are limited companies. The Mind Tree Cafe is limited by guarantee. Our three directors are Lisa Gurr, Lisa Newton and Katie Blake.
CICs are also required to prepare an annual report and accounts, which must be sent to the regulator (Companies House). They must operate for the benefit of the community, rather than for private profit. As a result, CICs support social or environmental initiatives in their communities. This means that they often fill the gaps in government funding or resources so that vital services can be maintained.
We are currently working on further funding applications to achieve this.
Our Mind Tree journey
August 2023 arrived with much work to do in the grounds and the buildings too, once in use by HF Trust. You might have heard about this in the local news 'Save Furlong Close'.
Getting the keys in early 2024 meant that rentable spaces like therapy rooms and workshops were opened ready for new tenants and access to low cost counselling began in June!
A new space to relax
The cafe is underway
