Church of the Ascension Grantham’s wellbeing cafe proves ‘hugely popular’

A weekly wellbeing cafe set up in the wake of the pandemic to combat isolation has proved “hugely popular”.

The Grantham Church of the Ascension in Edinburgh Road established a wellbeing cafe in September 2021 to support people following the trauma and isolation caused by the Covid pandemic.

Reverend Samantha Parsons, vicar of the Church of the Ascension, explained that the cafe is a safe space where “it is okay not to be okay”.

“We were aware that many people were lonely, some were fearful of going out and some were suffering from anxiety or depression,” said Samantha. “Many people simply wanted to reconnect with others after being alone for so long.”

The cafe runs every Monday morning between 10am and 12pm, thanks to a large team of volunteers from the church and community.

mpu1

It offers a welcoming space with hot drinks, home-made cakes, crafts and games.

Samantha continued: “We also informed local GP surgeries so they could signpost people to us if they wished. For this reason many social prescribers send people along to the cafe.

“People are always welcomed as they arrive and invited to sit with others if they would like. There is always a listening ear if people would like to talk. It is all free with voluntary donations so it is accessible to everyone whatever their circumstances.”

There is a table for dominoes, crafts and one for knitting and crocheting, which normally contributes to a group project that will support the community.

In the past, the group has knitted chicks at Easter for children in local schools, poppies during Remembrance and angels for Christmas carol services at the church.

Samantha said: “It has proved hugely popular and we regularly receive between 30 and 60 people in the church hall each Monday morning.

“People come for many different reasons but they all comment on the warm welcome they receive, the joyful atmosphere they feel, and the delicious homemade cakes they eat!

“Four amazing ladies from the community bake the cakes and we even provide a gluten free option.

“We could not run it without our incredible team of volunteers and we are so grateful to all of them for what they do.”

The cafe was recently visited by a pair of therapy dogs, Reggie and Bonnie, who encourage calmness.