A pioneering social project is taking shape in Nicosia, where a new café operated entirely by trained young adults with autism is expected to open early next year. The Blue Heart Café, the first social business of its kind in Cyprus, will employ ten young adults on the autism spectrum and offer structured, supported employment within a community setting.
Developed and managed by the NGO Voice for Autism, the project is designed to bridge the gap between education and meaningful work. Through professional training, peer support and ongoing guidance, the initiative aims to help young adults with autism build confidence, develop transferable skills and participate in daily life with independence and dignity.
The Andrey & Julia Dashin’s Foundation is the major sponsor behind the café’s launch, supporting an initiative that it describes as deeply aligned with its long-standing commitment to inclusivity and social progress. For the Foundation, the project highlights the importance of creating opportunities that allow individuals to contribute meaningfully and to be seen and valued within their community.
Reflecting on the significance of the initiative, Andrey Dashin emphasised that inclusion requires both intention and action. He noted that when young adults on the autism spectrum are given the environment and tools to thrive, the benefits extend beyond the individual and enrich society as a whole.
The development of Blue Heart Café has brought together several community partners, signalling a wider shift toward collaboration in support of neurodiverse individuals. This collective effort underscores the momentum behind initiatives that prioritise empowerment, respect and long-term social change.
Voice for Autism, founded by parents and professionals, continues to advocate for a future where neurodiversity is better understood and more readily accepted. Projects such as this one illustrate the organisation’s commitment to expanding opportunities and raising awareness about the needs and strengths of people on the autism spectrum.
The Andrey & Julia Dashin’s Foundation, established in 2014, supports initiatives in social welfare, healthcare, education and environmental stewardship. Through partnerships across Cyprus, the Foundation aims to promote equal opportunities and contribute to a more inclusive society. The Blue Heart Café stands as one of its most forward-looking collaborations, embodying the shared belief that meaningful inclusion can reshape the everyday lives of individuals and communities alike.