Lily’s Social Kitchen Opens New Premises in Canterbury

Lily’s Social Kitchen, a pioneering Community Interest Company (CIC), is thrilled to announce the launch of its newest and most ambitious project to date in the heart of Canterbury. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the organisation, which has been championing the skills and employability of neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism and learning disabilities, since its inception in 2017.

Located on Guildhall Street, the new premises are set within a beautifully restored 17th-century Tudor building, offering a unique blend of historical charm and modern functionality. The site features outdoor seating and a spacious function room that will host meetings, private events, and, most importantly, serve as a training ground for Lily’s expanding workforce of young trainees.

Zoe Rodda, the founder of Lily’s Social Kitchen, expressed her excitement about the expansion:
“For Lily’s to be taking this big step in our journey in Canterbury feels like we are coming full circle. This move is truly about coming back home to Canterbury and reaffirming our mission and the principles at the core of Lily’s Social Kitchen. The new café will be a commercially viable business with social impact at its heart. I encourage people to come and support us, enjoy our amazing café, and be part of this journey with us.”

Since its founding, Lily’s has been dedicated to providing real-world training opportunities for individuals who identify as neurodiverse, autistic, or have learning disabilities. The organisation’s mission is twofold: to showcase the skills and employability of these individuals and to support the local community, particularly those experiencing food poverty. Through practical training in a supportive environment, Lily’s prepares its trainees for mainstream employment with partner businesses, bridging the gap between social care and meaningful employment.

The new Canterbury location will not only serve as a vibrant café offering high-quality food made with locally sourced Kent produce but will also play a crucial role in expanding Lily’s training program. Previously, the organisation could accommodate around 25 students per year; the new site will allow up to 40 students to gain valuable training and hands-on experience, significantly increasing the impact of their work.
With a newly appointed chef in place, Vanessa Hayes will be leading the new site operations. Vanessa aims to deliver outstanding meals while embodying the values that make Lily’s a unique and essential part of the community.

In addition to its training programs, the new café will host several initiatives aimed at supporting the local community. Lily’s will collaborate with businesses and organisations, such as King’s School, which will use the facilities to prepare meals for the homeless in partnership with the Catching Lives charity. The café will also introduce a “Pay It Forward” program, allowing customers to donate a coffee or meal to someone in need, further reinforcing Lily’s commitment to social good.
As the new site opens its doors, Lily’s Social Kitchen invites the community to join them in this exciting new chapter. Every meal enjoyed, every event hosted, and every donation made will contribute to sustaining this incredible initiative and supporting the vital work they do. For those interested in supporting Lily’s, donations can be set up for as little as £3.50 per month, and businesses are encouraged to explore collaboration opportunities.

https://lilyscommunity.org/