Building Independence from the Ground Up

Customer at a cafe counter ordering soup from a friendly worker behind the counter. The worker is a young girl with glasses, dark hair, and a striped shirt, with various baked goods and a water bottle on the counter.
Green label with bold dark green text reading "Grounded in goodness"

Helping neurodivergent young people gain skills, independence and meaningful jobs.

What is the GroundUp Project?

Creating jobs for young neurodivergent people

The Ground Up Project supports neurodivergent young people to build independence through inclusive work opportunities. Our vision is a future where every individual has the chance to thrive, feel valued, and contribute to their community — from the ground up.

What do we do?

Work experience that builds confidence

We create supportive, real-life work placements in cafés and local businesses where young people can build skills, grow in confidence, and take their next steps into employment. Our work connects learners with inclusive employers who value diversity.

Why does it matter?

Changing the statistics on employment

We’re here to change the system. By breaking down barriers and showcasing what’s possible, we’re helping more young people into meaningful work — and proving that inclusive workplaces build stronger, more resilient communities.

Start
your
dream
from
the
Ground Up

Sign with the words 'Brewings possibilities' in bold font.
Text on a purple sticky note that says 'Swirl. Taste. Sip. Surr' in dark teal letters.
A dark green, flower-shaped object with white dots arranged in concentric circles.

Delicious coffee, grounded in goodness

The Ground Up Café at Theatre Porto is at the heart of what we do. It’s a welcoming space where young people learn, grow and feel proud of what they achieve.

Every drink served supports someone on their journey into work and independence.

Explore our Outlets
Two smiling people standing next to a blackboard sign outside a brick building. The sign reads "Welcome to Ground Up! Specialty coffee, Delicious food served all day, Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm." The woman on the left wears glasses, a green Mickey Mouse sweatshirt, and has plush toys hanging from her lanyard. The man on the right peeks from behind the sign, giving a thumbs-up.

Making a Real Difference

A young girl with glasses and dark hair tied back, smiling and making a fist pump gesture at a cafe or restaurant counter.

“My favourite part of working at Ground Up is baking and helping customers!”

Aqsa
Cafe Worker

Close-up of a wafer with small circular dots arranged in a pattern.
Young man with glasses and short hair, wearing a cream t-shirt with 'Ground Project Up' logo, gesturing with his index finger in conversation at a cafe.

“Since starting at Ground Up, I have learned to do the stock, take orders independently, bake, and more!”

Harvey
Cafe Worker

Be Part of the Change

  • Partner with us to shape inclusive futures

    We work with employers who believe in potential. By offering supported internships or job placements, you can open the door to meaningful employment for neurodivergent young people.

    Let’s build inclusive workplaces together.

    Partner With Us

  • Pop into our café and see the impact first-hand

    Our Ground Up Café is more than just great coffee, it’s a training ground for future baristas, servers and hospitality professionals. Every visit supports learning, confidence, and inclusion.

    Come in, say hello, and be part of the story.

    Visit Our Cafe

  • Donate or fundraise to help us grow

    Your generosity helps us deliver hands-on training, build confidence, and expand our impact. Whether you give once, give monthly, or start a fundraiser, every contribution counts.

    Together, we can change lives from the ground up.

    Donate or Fundraise
A green ribbon with dark blue text that reads 'Start your day from the ground up.'

Stories, updates and insights from The Ground Up Project

Featured
How to Talk About Neurodiversity at Work (Without Getting it Wrong)
How to Talk About Neurodiversity at Work (Without Getting it Wrong)
We’re hiring: Operations Manager
We’re hiring: Operations Manager