01/04/2025
Mental Health Foundation, Kolkata was formed in 2010. Ever since then, one of our key areas of work was with children and you people with developmental disorders, which includes Autism Spectrum Condition. 2nd April is designated as World Autism Awareness Day as designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007. As we have grown older as an organisation, the children and young people we have been working with, have grown in experience, skills and resilience with us. One of our key concern has been how to generate employability and independence for them. So, when a group of parents with children with developmental disorders proposed to run a cafe in our clinic, we said yes!
A short write up about their experience is described
In April 2024 ‘Cafable’ was created a tea and snack kiosk ,in a quiet corner of the clinic , stands our modest tea kiosk. Yet, this is no ordinary stall—within it, a small band of neurodivergent adults found not only purpose but also a voice and a sense of belonging creating an identity for them. We had an overwhelming response from the consultants and clients of the clinic.
Often tired after long hours of consultation a sip of tea or coffee and a small bite of buttery cookies is simply relaxing.
There is Pritha, a gentle and kind-hearted woman with Down’s syndrome, whose smile could brighten the gloomiest of days. Then there is Pinaki, whose passion for remembering choice of customers is well known. His warmth is infectious prompting many more to have their breakfast while coming for consultations with the team of mental health professionals.
And Srilekha, her diligent habit of serving on time keeps the kitchen team on toe and customers know it and they miss her on days of leave. The truest magic of the kiosk is revealed on hot summer afternoons. When the heat is sultry, and the world outside grows hot and sweaty, the kiosk remains a cool corner to have a sip of cold beverages. Inside, young and adults gather, sipping lemonade, sharing tales, and finding solace in each other’s company.
For the workers, the kiosk is more than just a place of labour. It is a sanctuary where they take pride in their work, where they are treated with dignity and affection, not for what they cannot do, but for what they have to give. Together, they have created something truly wonderful—something that transcended their challenges and brought their community together.
The idea to expand the kiosk's reach came to one parent one morning while watching the patients and staff enjoy the comforting cups of tea and coffee he and his team prepared. "Why not bring this warmth to others?" he thought. "Why not share these moments of connection and comfort at other events where people gather?" And so, with the same spirit of care and inclusion that had guided the clinic kiosk, the Cafable began serving its beverages and snacks at various conferences, meetings, and community events.
The team—Pritha, Pinaki ,Srilekha —were thrilled by the new venture. Jyotishko, Tathagata, Nilabha joined them. Their roles had already grown important at the clinic, and now they would get to share their talents and kindness with an even wider audience. They were no longer just serving tea to those in need of a comforting cup; they were becoming part of larger gatherings, offering moments of respite to busy professionals and curious visitors alike.
People recognise it as a symbol of kindness, inclusion, and quality. The kiosk represents more than just refreshments; it represents the power of a shared moment, of slowing down to appreciate the simple joys of life—good tea, good company, and a welcoming place to rest.
And so, the Cafable continues to flourish, whether nestled by the clinic or bustling at conferences and events. It was a place where every cup of tea, every coffee, every muffin, and every conversation was served with care and warmth. It became a place where everyone, regardless of their background or challenge, could find a little peace in the midst of their busy day.
Jai R Ram Keystone Institute India Sreemoyee Sen Ram Lipica Bhattacharya
