At Aspens' Roebuck Enterprises in Hastings, we focus on giving people on the autism spectrum the skills they need to lead their lives as independently as possible.  

We offer a wide range of social, creative and educational activities, with the aim of developing communication, self-help, leisure and employment skills, as well as a safe space to connect with others. 

We hold close links with local colleges and community projects, so that people who join our workshops can share their skills with the local community. 

We also offer for sale the beautiful, unique pieces created here, which are on display to the public whenever we're open. Why not pop in to visit and see for yourself? You'll find us at Roebuck Street in Hastings (full address below).

The five enterprises

The activities people can come and enjoy at our friendly Roebuck centre include:

bE – Berks Emporium (Catering)

Berks Emprorium produces a range of cakes, chutneys and jams. We deliver cakes daily to cafes around Hastings. We make small batches in our professional kitchen using local and seasonal ingredients and participants gain catering skills and work experience. 

Our delicious cakes, which include traybakes and birthday cakes, are available to order - either call us or just pop into the Centre. Vegan and gluten-free cakes can also be made to order. 

We are very proud to supply a number of local cafes, including The Aroma Coffee Lounge, The Coffee Box, The Stag Pub and Connections Cafe, The Custom Cafe, The Old Town Tea Rooms in Hastings and Bexhill; as well as our own Bluebell Cafe in Pembury, Kent.

SO – Special Operations (Textiles and crafts)

Special Operations works with local artists and professional makers to develop a range of stylish and original goods such as bags and aprons. We also produce personalised patterns. The products are designed, cut, measured and sewn in-house. 

GO – Glazed Over (Ceramics)

Our pottery making enterprise strand, the 'GO pots' range, includes stencil and stamp decorated earthenware dishes, plates, tiles and ornaments. 'GO' potters learn skills, gain work experience, build confidence and develop their creativity. 

Our range of handmade ceramics and pottery is sold in a variety of retail outlets in Hastings and Rye. Our handmade 1066 tiles, dishes and net huts are available in the Shipwreck Museum in Hastings. 

Me – Metallic engineers (Jewellery)

We use precious silver, brass and soft aluminium alongside semi-precious stones such as amber and garnets to make one-off pieces and seaside-themed charm bracelets. The jewellers train using new tools and mastering age-old techniques.

UP – Unique Perspectives (Graphics and animation)

Unique Perspectives produces art, film and design projects from an original viewpoint. Our output is a 'spectrum' that describes the divergent abilities of our creators. The 'Up' enterprise strand works on our social media, graphics and promotional materials. Participants use our well-equipped computer graphics suite to create their designs and artwork. 

Alongside our five enterprises, we also offer engaging drama, music, art, and mindfulness workshops, providing opportunities for creative expression, personal development, and wellbeing. 

Community collaborations

At Roebuck we believe in the importance of fostering strong collaborations within our community.

Our current collaborations include:

• Springfield Road Dental Surgery, Hastings
• The Bale House Visitor Centre, Hastings
• NHS, Learning Disabilities & Autism Liaison for East Sussex
• Old Town Tearooms
• Porters Wine Bar
• The Coffee Box
• The Shipwreck Museum
• Autism Partnership Board
• Electric Palace

A huge thanks to all those who are supporting our work, it makes an enormous difference and helps to spread the word about the positive impact we have on the lives of people on the autism spectrum. If you'd like to find out more about collaborating with us please contact us on the number/email below. 

Contact us to learn more

To find out more about Roebuck Enterprises, call 01424 722516 or email [email protected] 

Or just pop in for a chat and a look around - we're at Roebuck Street, Hastings, TN34 3BB