Rumbletums Community Café

It was opened 2011 after a group of parents got together to develop a way of supporting their children with learning disabilities into work and the community once they had finished full time education.

Training at Rumbletums is based primarily in the café where trainees undertake a range of duties suitable to their abilities. There is a high level of supervision to ensure that everyone who trains at Rumbletums is fully supported and they aim to build on each person’s needs and abilities. Some of the trainees have progressed into paid work and become more independent as a result.

The café was awarded a Kimberley Means Business grant of £19,552 to refurbish their building and make an access ramp for wheelchair users and the mobility impaired, replace windows, add insulation and render the exterior of the building. The café used to be a church and the windows have been designed to be in keeping with the history of the building. All the work has been carried out by local businesses.

As with many refurbishment projects on old buildings, once work was started other issues with the building appeared and had to be addressed. The new ramp replaced an earlier, steeper access ramp and now provides a much more user-friendly gradient. The grant funded new windows and loft insulations have led to an easier-to-heat space and a reduction in energy costs. The refurbishments mean that the café can now offer community groups spaces at affordable costs.

Sarah Rauch, Trustee at Rumbletums said, ‘Whilst our trainees are our main focus, have been able to build Rumbletums into a community asset. The grants have meant that we can open up spaces for local groups and lower our energy bill.

Because Kimberley is well placed on local bus routes, our trainees can travel independently and from further afield. This helps to make them more independent and builds their confidence.

The Kimberley Means Business grants are having an impact on the town, with improved shop fronts and a general positive feel in the town.’

Kimberley Means Business is UK Government funded and is administered by Broxtowe Borough Council in partnership with Kimberley Town Council.