‘Cosy community cafe’ gears up for second event!

Twenty-two people came together in Stromness recently for the first of two “cosy community cafe” events in a bid to tackle loneliness. 

The get together in the Stromness Community Centre was organised by young members of the West Mainland Youth Achievement Groups, supported by the Council’s Community Learning, Development and Employability Team, and funded thanks to the Orkney Youth Local Action Group. Members of the Young Scot Youth Loneliness project (Bubble Teas) were also involved. 

The groups – made up of the Dynamic Youth Group (ages 10-14) and the West Mainland Youth Achievement Group (ages 14+) arranged crafts, board games and inclusive hall games. Folk could also enjoy a free meal of soup, baked tatties, sandwiches, tea/coffee/juice and baking. 

CLDE Youth and Family Learning Worker, Karen Bevan, said: “It went really well, we had 22 people join us on Friday which was lovely for our first night. Anyone is welcome, whether an individual or a family, young and old, and can take part in as little or much as they choose. It is just lightsome getting folk together who otherwise may be feeling a bit isolated or lonely, especially in the winter months. 

"We had lots of lovely comments on our feedback forms and everyone involved is looking forward to the next one on Saturday 22 February in the Stromness Community Centre from 5pm-7pm.” 

Comments from folk who popped along to the free event ranged from:  

“Service was great, fantastic menu.” 

“Will tell everyone to come to the next one.” 

“The lovely personal welcome on arrival made me feel very relaxed.” 

“Soup was special, great team effort, well done.” 

“The group were amazing and were really attentive with the customers and were a great help, lots of lovely comments on the baking that they had done too.”