The Compassionate Café that we run in partnership with The Kitchen, Croxley Green, is celebrating its second anniversary.
Created as a joint venture, the café aims to be a safe supportive space to help local people impacted by loss.
Over the past two years, the monthly event has supported around 50 local people who have been affected by loss.
Since The Kitchen partnership was launched, our Compassionate Café scheme has expanded to take place in 15 locations across both Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire – providing a lifeline for so many people who need the compassion and help that the drop-in sessions provide. The spaces are welcoming and safe, facilitated by trained volunteers.
Everyone is invited to come together for friendship, emotional support and even just a listening ear. No matter what their loss has been or when it happened, all are welcome. Equally, the team at each venue can provide important information about any local services if needed too and signpost to other support.
“Following my wife’s death, it was suggested that I considered going to a Compassionate Café. Without doubt, the Compassionate Cafés have made such a positive difference to me. It was wonderful to meet like-minded people who understood what I was going through and gave me the space to talk about how I was feeling, and where I could share my memories and my experiences”.
Alison May, our Community Engagement Manager comments:
“We didn’t know how it would be received or how many people would take that brave first step to attend, but we’re absolutely delighted with how it has grown over the past two years.’’
Alison says that attendees have experienced a renewed sense of purpose and find the environment warm and friendly, with everyone made to feel comfortable. She continues that the Kitchen is an ideal venue, being both well-known and loved locally and being at the heart of the community.
“It’s great to work in partnership with Linda and the team at The Kitchen and we look forward to continuing to work together in 2024 and beyond.”
For further information about the Compassionate Cafes in your local area please go to:
renniegrovepeace.org/compassionatecafes
Telephone: 01923 33 03 30