A coffee club that helps to reduce loneliness and social isolation amongst those over 55 has received support from a Reach Rushcliffe grant enabling the group to grow and flourish with over 30 attendees now meeting up each week.
Residents can meet new people and enjoy refreshments in a relaxed and friendly setting at the Wednesday Morning Coffee Club in Ruddington which provides a warm space to vulnerable residents in a safe environment.
It takes place every Wednesday at St Peter’s Room in the village at NG11 6HD between 10 am and midday and all are welcome to walk in there is a voluntary donation of £1.
Through Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Reach Rushcliffe initiative which aims to tackle loneliness and social isolation by supporting local projects, the coffee club organisers Gwen Eyre and Carol Jaggers received a grant which has contributed to venue hire and tea and coffee throughout the year.
The authority’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities and Climate Change Cllr Abby Brennan recently met group organisers to see how the coffee club supports local residents and provides a warm space for people to socialise.
She said: “This club has become a staple group within with Ruddington community and is making a positive difference in people’s lives by reducing loneliness and isolation.
“There is a friendly and warming atmosphere at these sessions and with smiles across the room, you can tell that people enjoy spending time here and catching up with each other.
“The volunteers welcome new and familiar faces each week and they do a fantastic job running the coffee club by greeting members, making all the hot drinks and providing cakes, biscuits and other delicious treats.”
Gwen added: “We love hosting the Wednesday Morning Coffee Club and it’s a pleasure to welcome over 55s to St Peter’s Rooms and provide a social and warm space for everyone to come together.
“Our aim is to help alleviate loneliness and isolation and help with people’s well-being. The group is popular with older and disabled residents who enjoy coming here to socialise and meet other people in the local area.
“The funding from Reach Rushcliffe has helped to cover some of the venue hire and supplies which has helped to keep the coffee club going.
“We restarted this coffee club in September 2021 after it stopped during the first Covid-19 lockdown. It’s inspiring to see how far we’ve come since then and it’s proving to be very popular each week!”
Rushcliffe Borough Council is continuing to invite town and parish councils, local groups and organisations to put forward proposals for setting up, sustaining or expanding projects that take innovative approaches to tackle loneliness within the Borough.
To find out more and apply for funding, visit www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/reachrushcliffe
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