About Us

Café JJ opened in 2007 when two young men with learning disabilities left catering college and were unable to find suitable day time activity. With support from local organisations and their parents, they opened a small café in Clifton Community Centre in Darlington, serving soup and sandwiches once a week. It didn’t take long for word to spread, and soon more people with learning disabilities joined in, and more volunteers got involved.

In 2011, Café JJ was officially registered as a charity. Our mission is to help adults with learning disabilities in Darlington build their skills and confidence by running a community café. Our inclusive and friendly venue offers a weekly opportunity for customers to meet up and enjoy some ‘good service and good food.’ Today, the café is run by a team of thirteen adults with learning disabilities, known as ‘Team JJ.’ They learn the skills of catering, hospitality and customer service and can gain qualifications tailored to their abilities. We have even won awards, including the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and most recently, Darlington Borough Council’s Stronger Communities Special Award.

Café JJ is more than just a café —it’s a place where everyone feels welcome, and the team can show off their talents while giving something valuable back to the Darlington community.

Our mission is to provide education, training, and support to adults with learning disabilities, empowering them to develop the skills needed to successfully operate a community café.

Team JJ outside of the cafe
A waitress serving food to a customer

Through hands-on experience in food preparation and customer service, we aim to foster confidence, independence, and a sense of achievement for our team while creating an inclusive space for the community to connect and enjoy.