What a wonderful celebration we had to mark the First Birthday of the KINDNESS CAFÉ at Sugar Hill Primary School.
The café was full to the brim as parents, grandparents, carers, governors, staff and friends gathered to mark this special day. We even had a surprise visit from ITV News crew who featured the story several times the following day.
The café was initially created as a response to the cost of living crisis, that affects us all, however, it has proven to have more benefits as the year has gone on.
Headteacher, Mrs. O’Rourke explained to ITV, the importance of supporting the whole family to enable children to be ready for the school day. The café provides a safe, warm environment each week with hot and cold drinks, toast and cakes served with a smile by Elena, who volunteers her time to support the café.
Mrs. McCormick, who co-ordinates the café, told the Newton News “It is a place to meet and make new friends and has provided opportunities for new parents to connect with the school community, while also welcoming back those who are now grandparents and still have a close bond with the school and staff.”
The KINDNESS CAFÉ has a number of swap shop tables where you are invited to swap a book or bring a food item and swap for another, which is a kind and sensitive way of helping others. We also have a table full of pre-loved uniform clothing to select from.
Miss Cook, who supports the café every week, told Newton News “It has been lovely to see how much the café has grown in our first year and I hope to see it continue, as it really has become a part of our school community.”
A Kindness Choir, made up from Year 1 and Year 2 pupils, attended the café, sang some songs and were very much appreciated by all those who attended. We hope to build on this for future coffee mornings especially those which have a particular theme. The choir children enjoyed the birthday cake as a special treat.
The KINDNESS CAFÉ hopes to spread its kindness across our community by going on tour this year around various venues – please watch out for details.
The KINDNESS CAFÉ would like to thank all those that have supported and encouraged them in its first year: Shirley, Community Champion at Tesco, Lifeline, Newton Press, Newton News, school staff and parents.
Finally, an invitation to please come along and remember the café is open each Thursday from 9.00am to 10.15am, in the school hall – we would love to see you.