A space to share
where children can roam 
and everyone belongs

Roam is a community cafe, play space, and preloved store, all under one roof in Vauxhall, London. Roam was founded in 2024 by a team of local women. We saw a need in our local area for more community connection and indoor play space, and so the vision for Roam was born.

Roam is a registered Community Interest Company. We are not for profit - instead all of our trading supports our mission to provide:

  • community

    Through our upstairs cafe and playspace, we create opportunities for social connection and mutual support. We’re rooted in the community and proudly local - offering discounted play sessions for those living nearby, and working closely with local schools, charities, and businesses.

  • play

    Play shouldn’t depend on how much space you have at home.

    Many local families in central London live in shared or overcrowded homes, so indoor play can be hard to come by. Our playspace gives children up to age 8 room to explore, with toys and activities families might not have the space or budget for. Our preloved shop also helps families keep play fresh and affordable.

  • opportunity

    At Roam, opportunity is at the heart of what we do. Our playspace gives local families access to indoor play that might otherwise be out of reach, but opportunity also extends to the adults in our community.

    We focus on potential in our recruitment and recognise that many people face barriers when trying to enter or return to work. That’s why we offer supportive work placements for women who need a stepping stone to build skills, confidence and experience before moving into employment.

did you know

of Lambeth households are overcrowded (2021 Census). 82% of people believe overcrowding harms child development and 96% say it limits space to play (Shelter).

of a child’s brain development happens by age five, and the foundations laid during those early years influence mental health, relationships, and academic outcomes. (Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood).

of society believe there is not enough help and support for parents, carers and children during the early years (Royal Foundation Public Perceptions Report 2025).

11% 

90%

56%

OUR FOUNDERS

The founding Roam team all live locally and have been involved in the community for seven years through the local church. In this time, we’ve helped to run toddler and baby groups for our community, where we’ve got to know the needs of local families - and seen the potential for a permanent play space that puts community and connection at its heart.

our values

Our founders are motivated by a shared Christian faith, which inspires our culture and values of kindness, integrity, generosity, service, and community. While our roots are faith-based, our space and opportunities warmly welcome people of all faiths and none.

Meet the Team

  • Naomi

    Co-founding Director and Cafe Manager

    Naomi is mum of two, always cooking for a crowd and happiest when around people. She’s a pro at creating order from chaos, and making everything feel a bit more like home, and has a background in mentoring students. Naomi manages our cafe operations, making sure everything is up to code and that our menu always reflects our values.

  • Charlie

    Co-founding Director and Head of Impact

    Charlie is mum to two wild and wonderful boys, and has been considering starting a social enterprise for years. Charlie has a background in campaigning and corporate partnerships and helping businesses employ people facing barriers to work. Roam started as a daydream during some tough postpartum days, chasing a toddler around wet dark streets with a newborn in tow, wondering why there wasn’t anywhere to go.

  • Tamsin

    Co-founding Director

    Tamsin is a GP in her day job, and was based in our Vauxhall community for many years. She loves feeding people, being in community and finds it hard to stay still. As a trustee, for a couple of charities, she brings a lot of wisdom and helps us keep perspective when things get overwhelming. He’s lived in a few different counties, but London - with all its cultural diversity - has her heart.