Ice-cream by the park
Community Development
We want to add an ice-cream kiosk and a pleasant outside seating area to our well-used community café next to Stamford Park.
About this cause
Our aim is to improve the mental health and emotional well being of people in our community. We are open-access and offer all services free of charge to those on low incomes. We are a community organisation run by and for local people, supporting around 1200 people each year through: • one-to-one counselling for children and adults • couples counselling • family group counselling • peer support groups • personal development courses (e.g. anger management, parenting skills, building self-esteem, mindfulness) • a weekly creative session for older people at risk of isolation • community space for adult learning and parents’ groups • supported volunteer placements for those furthest from the job market (including prisoners on day release, people with disabilities, and addicts in recovery)
How this cause brings people in the community together
Our community café and lounge is used by over 150 local people each week attending regular groups and peer support: this includes a group for older people at risk of isolation, an Age UK carers’ support group, two mother and baby groups, the University of the Third Age, and a meditation class. We also run regular courses for the public, such as parenting skills, anger management and mindfulness.