A New Chapter for Our Community

It is with a heavy heart that we share some important news.

After much thought, discussion, consultation with management/staff, and reflection, HAD and the Red Brick Café will be moving from the Wealdstone Centre (HA3 7AE), with our final day in the current space being 30th June.

As a responsible DDPO (Deaf and Disabled Peoples Organisation) with charitable status, and an impeccable legacy, transparency is of immense importance to us. So, here is the background leading ultimately to the decision to close Red Brick Café and move our services from Wealdstone Centre.

Twenty-four years ago, we took on a sub lease to the café, as well as some office space, which was, at that time, very easily affordable for us. However, this has changed over the years, as costs have risen in every area. The building has grown older and crumblier, the eyewatering maintenance charges for the space have simply become impossible to maintain.

To continue in our current space would have put all HAD’s services at risk, and that would have spelt disaster for HAD, and particularly for the thousands of people who use our services every year.

This has not been an easy decision, and it has been one in which we have received the support of Harrow council, who have understood the importance of HAD securing our own future.

The Wealdstone Centre has been more than just a building, it has been a place of connection, support, activism, and community service. For many of us, it holds memories of shared experiences, important conversations, and moments that have shaped who we are today.

The Red Brick Café, in particular, has been a space where people could come together, feel welcome, and simply be a place for Disabled people and many others in Harrow to feel safe, seen and satisfied with a great meal. That sense of belonging is not something we take lightly, and it is why this decision has been so difficult

We are very sad to leave the Red Brick Cafe, especially our very loyal customers and supporters, and we will miss you all.

However, while this chapter is coming to a close, it is not the end of our story. We are moving forward with a continued commitment to Disabled people across Harrow and beyond.

Our work, advocating for rights, pushing for accessibility, and building community, will not stop. If anything, this transition gives us an opportunity to rethink, rebuild, and strengthen what we offer. 

And you can still contact us on 0208 861 9920, or general@had.org.uk, or use our web-forms to make appointments to use our services.  We hope that one day we will run another café open to the public and will let everyone know when that day comes!

We know that change can be unsettling. We feel it too. But we also believe in the strength of our community and our shared purpose. We hope you will continue this journey with us.

We will announce further details soon about new arrangements HAD will be making to continue our services albeit without a drop-in café service.

Thank you for all your support, and for being part of our community, at the Wealdstone Centre, and into the future.

With gratitude,

Harrow Association of Disabled people (HAD)