Café at Theatre Porto News
Introducing The Ground Up Project
We are excited to share the launch of The Ground Up Project, a new Community Interest Company (CIC) sitting within the Petty Pool family, that is making its debut with the opening of their very first coffee shop; ‘Ground Up’ at Theatre Porto in Ellesmere Port as they take over Café at Theatre Porto.
The Ground Up Project is committed to creating meaningful job opportunities for young neurodivergent people, fostering an environment where diverse talents can thrive and contribute to the community. According to recent statistics, people with learning disabilities or neurodivergence face significantly higher unemployment rates compared to their neurotypical peers. We’re here to change that.
Ground Up serves as more than just a coffee shop; it’s a supportive space where young people with unique strengths can develop new skills, gain valuable work experience, and build confidence in a professional setting, ready to engage in meaningful further employment once they’re ready to gain employment in the wider community.
By partnering with Theatre Porto, a community hub rooted in inclusivity and creativity, we are excited to blend great coffee with social impact, offering those who walk through the doors a vibrant and welcoming space while empowering a new generation of baristas.
Ground up works collaboratively with The Petty Pool Trust, a specialist vocational college based in Sandiway, Cheshire, providing further education for around 120 young people with special educational needs and disabilities from the North West.
Come visit us, enjoy a great cup of coffee and a slice of cake, and be part of a movement that’s building brighter futures, from the ground up!
Join us by following us on our journey. You’ll find us here on Linkedin, on Instagram and Facebook.
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From Monday 21st October, we’ll be in a ‘soft launch’ phase, with the café open for limited hours each day to begin with (Monday to Friday 10.30am – 1.30pm & Saturday Times TBC). Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest updates on daily hours. We will announce the official launch date, set for mid-November, very soon.
Thank you for your patience and support as we bring this new café experience to the heart of Ellesmere Port. Stay tuned for more details on the full menu and official opening hours, coming soon!
