The team at Victoria Park Community Cafe is celebrating a series of big achievements for the facility over the past seven months in which it has been open, as it prepares to shut for the season on 1st November.
This year, the café has been able to stay open seven days a week (with the exception of a few rainy days) and has had 850 hours of volunteer support.
“We have served 19,200 customers over the last seven months and the presence of the cafe as a community hub in the park has reduced antisocial behaviour, crime and improved security in the park, creating a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone,” explained Caroline Blake, cafe director.
“We have also seen a wider variety of park users this year, enhancing the park’s vibrancy and inclusivity. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with customers appreciating our personal touch and welcoming atmosphere.
“We are grateful to all our customers, staff and the dedicated volunteers who have made this season truly special, placing the cafe at the heart of Victoria Park and reinforcing its role as a pivotal community hub.”
Over the past seven months, the cafe has been involved in several local programmes and initiatives. These have included providing supportive real-life work skills training for 14 young people, averaging 39.5 hours per week, in partnership with three local schools and homeschooling groups.
Other initiatives have included weekly chair yoga and monthly visits from Frome Dogs for Health. In collaboration with Frome Medical Practice, the team has hosted several community connector training sessions, fun-filled afternoons with themed quizzes for children and run regular play sessions.
The team also piloted an Atypical Day developed and led by two volunteers, Ryan and Jonathan. It provided a platform for them to develop skills and engage the community in meaningful dialogues around what it is like to live with autism.
Caroline said, ““We are grateful to all our customers, staff, and the dedicated volunteers who have made this season truly special, placing the cafe at the heart of Victoria Park and reinforcing its role as a pivotal community hub.
“Our cafe continues to serve as a vital meeting space for various local groups, enhancing its role as a community nucleus. Although the cafe is soon to close, we are doing a pop-up cafe in the Bennett Centre on Vicarage Street on Saturday 30th November from 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1st December 10am to 4pm, as part of the Arts Trail.
“And don’t miss our special Christmas morning opening! Join us on Wednesday 25th December, from 8am to 12.30pm for a festive celebration. Bring your holiday cheer, Christmas jumpers and even your dogs in tinsel. It is a perfect opportunity to gather with loved ones and community members in the spirit of the season.
“We look forward to reopening in early April 2025 and continuing to serve as a cornerstone of community life in Victoria Park. Thank you all for an incredible year!”
For more information, contact Caroline at https://www.cultivatingcommunity.co.uk/ contactcultivatingcommunity@gmail.com.
