Brewing Hope, One Cup at a Time.
Little Lights Cafe: Brewing Hope, One Cup at a Time
At Little Lights CIC, we dream of a world where every child has a fair chance at a brighter future. But for many vulnerable young people—those who have faced abuse, homelessness, or the absence of family—opportunities are scarce, and finding a path to stability can feel impossible.
That’s why we created Little Lights Cafe—not just as a coffee shop, but as a beacon of hope. This cafe is more than a place to grab a drink; it’s a lifeline, a training ground, and a stepping stone to a better tomorrow.
Visit Our Café
More than coffee — it’s a place of purpose, learning and connection.
At Little Lights Café, every cup of coffee supports real change in our community. Our warm and welcoming space in Selly Oak is more than just a café — it’s a training ground, a safe hub, and a spark of hope for young people facing tough challenges.
What Makes Our Café Special?
Alongside serving fresh, nutritious food and artisan sourdough, our café hosts a range of hands-on community workshops designed to empower and inspire:
- ☕ Barista Skills – Learn the art of coffee-making, from espresso basics to latte art.
- 🍞 Baking & Sourdough – Get hands-on with traditional techniques in sourdough, pastries, and more.
- 💬 Customer Service – Develop confidence, communication, and employability.
- 🌱 Entrepreneurship – Learn how to start your own small business or community project.
- 🧪 Natural Products – Discover how to make health-boosting goods like kefir, kombucha and soaps at home.
Why a Cafe?
We believe in sustainable change. While donations and grants are crucial, we wanted to build something self-sustaining, something that keeps our mission alive for years to come.
Little Lights Cafe is our way of funding our vital programs, ensuring that every child we support has access to:
✔️ Nutritious meals
✔️ Educational resources
✔️ Mental health support
✔️ A safe, welcoming community
But we wanted to go beyond financial support. We wanted to empower young people with real opportunities.
A Training Ground for the Future
For many young people, lack of experience is the biggest barrier to employment. Little Lights Cafe is here to change that.
Through our Youth Employment Programme, we provide:
✔️ Hands-on barista and hospitality training
✔️ Paid work experience in a real business environment
✔️ Life skills workshops to build confidence and independence
✔️ Personal mentorship to guide them towards long-term careers
How You Can Make a Difference
By visiting, supporting, or donating to our cafe, you are directly contributing to life-changing opportunities for young people. Here’s how you can help:
✔️ Enjoy a cup of coffee – Every purchase helps fund our training programmes.
✔️ Sponsor a trainee – Help a young person gain work experience and build a future.
✔️ Become a partner – If you own a business, let’s collaborate and create even more opportunities.
✔️ Spread the word – Share our mission and help us reach more people.
Why It Matters
These workshops aren’t just educational — they change lives. Young people gain real skills, a sense of purpose, and pathways into work or self-employment.
We’re also committed to eco-conscious practices — from reducing food waste to promoting sustainable packaging and plant-based options.
Join Us
Whether you come in for a coffee, a loaf of fresh sourdough, or a workshop — you’re helping build a brighter, more resilient Birmingham.
Together, we’re brewing opportunity, hope, and community – one cup at a time.
Reviews
Little Lights CIC is exactly what our community needs. Knowing that there will soon be a safe space where young people can learn skills, gain experience, and receive support is truly inspiring. It’s heartwarming to see an initiative that genuinely cares about making a difference.
— Emily T.
Local Community Member
As a parent, it’s reassuring to know that Little Lights CIC is working to create opportunities for young people who may not have had the best start in life. The idea of a community cafe that reinvests its profits into youth programmes is simply brilliant. We can’t wait to support it!
— Daniel R. – Parent in the Community
This is more than just a cafe it’s a movement. A place where every purchase helps fund life-changing projects for young people. Even before opening, Little Lights CIC is already bringing people together, and I know it will become a cornerstone of our community.
— Sarah L. – Local Business Owner
Little Lights CIC 