About the Sit Stop Project

Coffeehouse Challenges are an initiative sponsored by the Royal Society of Arts (RSA). The original purpose of the RSA at its foundation in 1754 was to permit strangers of differing stations in life to exchange views, share business tips, discuss politics or gossip in order that they philanthropically encourage the arts, manufactures and commerce. The first meetings took place in Rawthmell’s coffeehouse in Covent Garden.

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the RSA in 2004 the Coffeehouse Challenge was launched. Under this initiative Fellows of the RSA selected topics which they felt were relevant to their local community and sponsored discussion meetings in their local Starbucks to flesh out the topics and devise programmes of action. In 2004 over 150 such groups met nationwide. All reported back to the RSA and six prizes were awarded as ‘seed-corn’ money to those judged to be best.

This was so successful it is now an annual event.

The 2005 Coffeehouse Challenge in Richmond, championed by three RSA Fellows - Dr. Sarah Clarke, Frances Ratchford and Wendy Tansey and comprising Jonathan Gantley, Lydia Parbury, Ray Stonehill, and Paul Redfern and Alex Brining of Richmond AID - picked as its first area of interest how to improve the accessibility of shopping areas in Richmond for those with disabilities. This topic was selected because of the very high proportion of disabled residents.

As our discussions progressed they crystallized more specifically; we decided we wanted to help not only registered disabled but also older people, parents and pregnant women: anyone who might find it difficult to make the most of the town. We homed in on the positive benefit of empowering people to ask for a place to sit as a matter of course rather than as a special or embarrassing request.

The ‘Place and a Space’ idea was born. This concept was submitted to the RSA and won one of the seed-corn awards for 2005.

Since then this has evolved into ‘Sit Stop’ which now consists of an integrated stylish design concept created by Gavin Thomson FRSA in the form of both a plaque and a series of seats. Thus retail premises, places of interest etc participating in the scheme display the logo plaque on their premises. The plaque indicates to the public that they will be given a place to sit and rest if they ask. Participating organisations can also buy Sit Stop chairs.

The Sit Stop is to be launched in Richmond at the Vestry Hall on 1st December 2006 - the International Day of the Disabled. The Sit Stop plaque and chairs will be available for the public to view at that event and the exhibition will then move on to other major venues to raise further awareness.