The Hang Out, Southend
In the heart of Southend, The Hang Out is creating a space that’s not just a business but a true community hub. Designed for children aged 8–12, the venue offers a place where kids can spend quality time with friends while their responsible adults relax nearby. It’s a concept that combines play, connection, and practicality—and it all started with a pinky promise and a start-up loan from Let’s Do Business Finance.
A Lapland Inspiration
Founder Kasia Zielinski-Rushforth never imagined running a social enterprise until a holiday trip to Lapland sparked an idea. While on holiday, she visited an activity centre that was tucked away under a Burger King. It was a haven for children—relaxed, family-friendly, and refreshingly simple. Adults could enjoy a coffee while kids played freely, and the small fee was just for the children, adults went in free. The experience planted a seed: “This type of place would be great in Southend.”
Back home, that idea became a commitment—and a pinky promise to her 8-year-old son to create a space where kids like him could hang out.
“There is nowhere in Southend for 8-12-year-olds to hang out with their friends, with their adult close by. There’s lots of funded youth clubs that children have to go to on their own, but not all children are comfortable doing that. They just want somewhere where they can crack open a Coke, have sweets and biscuits and mess about and play board games, in the safety that a parent or guardian is nearby.”
True to her word, Kasia started putting plans into motion.
Getting the Ball Rolling with Let’s Do Business Finance
Kasia knew she wanted to build something special but needed funding to get started. That’s where Let’s Do Business Finance came in. With their guidance, she secured a £17,000 Start Up Loan. The funds were used to transform a centrally located venue into a welcoming space. It covered everything from renovations to equipment, ensuring the venue was ready for its dual purpose: hosting children’s sessions and acting as a professional meeting space.
“I had never sat down and budgeted what I’d need for a business before,” Kasia admits. “Speaking with Lisa from the finance team really helped me understand how to approach it all.” Working with Chris Smith, she found the process thorough yet reassuring: “Hearing him say it was a bona fide business gave me the validation I needed.”
A Start Up Loan is a UK government-backed loan designed to help new businesses and those trading for less than 36 months access funding to develop their business ideas. Providing loans from £500 to £25,000 over 12-60 months and at a fixed rate, this initiative provides essential financial support to help businesses progress to the next stage of their journey. Let’s Do Business Finance are an official Business Support Partner and accredited lender for the British Business Bank and the Start Up Loan Company, supporting start-ups in the South and East of England.
Two Purposes, One Vision
The Hang Out, Southend caters to 8–12-year-olds, an often-overlooked age group. It’s not childcare, but rather a space where kids can play board games, enjoy snacks, and socialise with friends while their adults stay nearby. At just £10.99 for a two-hour session (with two adults included), it’s affordable and accessible. Kasia’s attention to detail shines through in every aspect of the venue. From providing sanitary products to recognising the evolving needs of tweens, she’s built a space that’s welcoming and inclusive.
Through her previous roles, Kasia was aware of the lack of quality space for businesses to meet and for community groups to use, and so outside of children’s playtimes, the Hang Out can be transformed into a professional meeting and event space. Fully accessible and equipped with flip charts, projectors, and more, it’s providing the perfect location and facilities for community groups and businesses.
“I know the meeting space is going to be needed as much as the sessions for the children. It’s really difficult to find somewhere that centrally located that doesn’t come with all these extra charges and expenses. We are keeping things simple, and giving our customers what they need in an affordable and all-inclusive price.”
The Challenges and Rewards of Starting Up
Launching The Hang Out wasn’t without its hurdles. From finding the perfect venue to balancing affordability with sustainability, the journey required grit and determination. But Kasia’s belief in her mission kept her going.
“It’s been a slog,” she admits. “If someone had shown me a long list of everything I’d have to do, I’m not sure I’d have started. But now, sitting here in The Hang Out, I’m so glad I did. It’s amazing. I don’t think I’ll ever doubt myself again.
It’s such a tough balance to create an offering that is as affordable as possible for the customer but also brings in money for the business to enable its growth.
I wanted us to be a business that does good, it's what drives me, there's something deep inside of me, which really believes in social justice.
At the end of the day, I want to be able to show my son that anything is possible.”
Big Dreams for the Future
The Hang Out is just the beginning. Kasia envisions expanding into new ventures, from a children’s art and reading space in the venue’s garden to potentially franchising the concept. As a social enterprise, Kasia is committed to reinvesting 50% of her profits into improving and building the business. Long-term she also hopes that this business model will allow her to create a “pull-up” space—a safe house for families needing temporary support.
“I want us to connect with people in a meaningful way,” Kasia explains. “Whether it’s children playing, community groups meeting, or families finding a lifeline, this is about creating something that matters.”
The Hang Out isn’t just a business; it’s a promise fulfilled, and a community transformed. For Kasia, the ultimate reward is showing her son—and others—that anything is possible.
Discover the Hang Out via the website www.thehangoutvenue.co.uk
Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Kasia’s journey has taught her the value of perseverance and planning. Her advice?
Believe in Your Mission: Passion and purpose are essential.
Do Your Homework: Ensure your business idea is viable.
Find Support: Don’t be afraid to lean on others for guidance and validation.