The Friendship Cafe
Walsall C.I.C.
In October 2018 we opened our first Friendship Cafe. We wanted to create a nurturing environment where isolated people could meet to build relationships and self-confidence through conversation, activities, crafts and music.
We offer a mobile service, adaptable to any venue. We are an inclusive organisation, differentiating activities and levels of support to meet the requirements of our service users. Sessions are open to all adults and attendees are not required to label themselves; each person is valued for who they are.
We provide the arena for people to share their time, skills and memories.
We enable people to grow together, to build self worth and to live more independent and fulfilling lives.
Our service users, or friends, as we think of them, are the heart of the Friendship Cafe, our activities and direction are shaped by them.
We know that every person has so much to give to others and by giving, they blossom.
We provide the opportunity for adults of all ages and backgrounds to make friends and to have lots of fun!
We are a Community Interest Company and therefore not-for-profit. We keep our prices as low as possible to make sure our services are accessible to as many people as possible. We constantly fundraise to provide extra support and activities for our attendees such as day trips, meals and outings. The need for our services is such that we are operating a waiting list on many of our sessions. We would dearly love to set up more Friendship Cafes to help more people.
Age is no barrier at The Friendship Cafe, there are thirty years difference between myself and Ann, we just click!
Ann says it is the best thing that has happened to her since losing her husband. Ann has started to knit again and she helps me to knit better. We have completed joint projects together... we say we are very proud of each other.
Kerry