A fortnightly café in Suffolk is helping local people - through the power of community.
The 'Meet up Monday' morning café, run by St Mary’s Church in Combs, was started by the Revd Chris Childs and his team in 2019 following the realisation that people needed a safe space to get together for support.
It is now run at the church hall by the the Revd Alison Lay with a team of volunteers and attracts new people almost every week.
Alison said: “The café has grown considerably and, as we advertise with posters and on social media, most weeks we have someone new coming along. People come along to be themselves, have a coffee, cake and a chat with a friendly face – and they often help each other. I see my role as connecting people so they can make new friends.”
Mother-of-four Maria Scadding (pictured), a regular at the café, added: “I come to meet other people and my two-year-old son enjoys entertaining the regulars!”
“We have just moved here and we wouldn’t usually see anyone, so coming here has helped us to connect with people” said Maureen Jones.
Often the café is a stepping-stone into other church activities. The recent Harvest Festival service, which included a lunch afterwards was an ideal and popular opportunity to have a chat with others and get to know more people.
Pictured: Gerry Crease, Maria Scadding with Arthur and Jenny Straughier.
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