Coffee & Connect is a warm space, befriending initiative that meets at Glow Church, Long Tens Way (opposite the recycling centre) on the Newton Aycliffe Business Park. It’s already outgrown Trio Coffee Shop and moved into a larger auditorium space. “It’s my dream for Coffee & Connect to walk out into the community and gather people from every stage of life. There’s a bigger auditorium we can use when this one is full!” smiles Glenis Simmonds, who leads the team.
Coffee & Connect runs weekly on a Wednesday afternoon between 1 and 3pm. The idea was born when Glenis realised it wasn’t just the elderly who were socially isolated after the Pandemic. People in every section of the population were finding it hard to resume their social contacts. Glenis wanted to start something where there would be a seat for everyone round the table. With the backing of a team of volunteers from Glow Church, and a grant from Great Aycliffe & Middridge Partnership (GAMP), the dream became reality.
From the table cloths and china crockery, to the home made cakes and savoury scones displayed under glass domes, there is a spirit of excellence woven through everything at Coffee & Connect. Food and drinks are complementary. Access is level for wheelchairs and prams. Parking is free and the toilet facilities are spacious and clean. Everyone is catered for; no one is excluded.
Looking around the room, there are guests of all ages, both men and women. Volunteers are on hand to mix and mingle. The team has a range of experience to bring, should it be needed; medical, social care, advocacy, recovery. “I believe friendship has the power to enrich life,” says Glenis. “And making life better is what Coffee & Connect is all about.”
Brian Riley, GAMP Coordinator, visited a session recently and was delighted to see such a wide ranging group of people in attendance, in a warm and safe environment. Brian said, “The GAMP Board are pleased to have been able to support Glow with funding for this fantastic project, and wish them every success with their future development.”