Plum Community Cafe for Garden Lane

The environment

We have tried to minimise our impact on the environment by re-using furniture, some catering equipment from the church and upcycling tables and the cafe counter. The church building uses solar panels, and we use Fair Trade teas and coffee as a standard.

The local economy

We supported the local shops for our fresh supplies including two local residents who are artisan bakers.

Volunteering, jobs & education

During the 6 month pilot project, we provided opportunities for local people to volunteer in the cafe, learning new skills and forming new relationships. Ten volunteers worked in the cafe during this time. Since the end of the pilot, our volunteer numbers have increased to 25, covering the Saturday and Wednesday sessions. This has included: Local residents of all ages Young people seeking work experience People who are international exiles

Arts, culture & heritage

The cafe and improved hospitality offering has helped attract visitors to the wider events and engagement with growing Plum activities generally. It has become a support for arts workshops and other events. Local artists have been able to showcase their work within the cafe including weaving, pottery and painting. An example of a heritage event attracted to the Plum includes a local history talk that proved to be a huge success, drawing in over 100 attendees. The cafe has also acted as an attraction to The Plum as a key hub during activities including rehearsals for performing drama and arts events. Through Plum Club, our growing relationship with the local school has proven to be an opportunity to support the integration of children from diverse international backgrounds. More recently, through volunteering opportunities within the cafe subsequent to the pilot project, we have attracted a range of international exiles who enjoy working with us. This immersion aids their integration and welcomed into the community, whilst also adding to their English language skills.

Activity, health and leisure

The Plum cafe pilot project acted as a springboard to grow and develop The Plum generally as a community / church initiative. This development of The Plum combined with outreach to other elements of the wider community such as the local school for example, has facilitated additional support for children and young people through Plum Club, to make the best start in life and move forward with greater confidence toward achieving their full potential. We believe that the café has become a safe, inclusive hub for people of all ages. From the visitors regularly attending since the 6 month pilot project, we see the facility providing a resource for parents to bring children as a safe indoor recreation space. In addition, The Plum has since launched toddler sessions through Plum Tots. • Enable more adults to live longer, healthier and happier lives: The cafe pilot proved to be an immediate attraction to provide an affordable local venue with a warm, friendly space particularly for residents living alone and at risk of social isolation. Here they are able to engage with others and be exposed to the opportunity to connect with additional events at The Plum. Similar benefits of increased friendships, social integration and even improving English language skills have also benefits for some particular volunteers. We see this as contributing to the improvement of mental health and wellbeing. We believe that the ongoing progressive success of the community cafe points to the benefit it provides to the community as an appreciated and well used leisure facility, enhancing the lives of neighbours and visitors. Our customer feedback survey was fully positive. A substantial number of very enthusiastic comments were received, plus a few helpful suggestions we are acting upon. Some typical key quotes from respondents follow: "It's a lovely, cosy and friendly. A great asset to the community." "Really pleased to have a community hub!" "A great community enterprise and lovely people." "I saw some lovely pots and art on the wall." "Nice to see local artists work. Love its donations, makes it open to all." "It's a lovely place. Really relaxing, homely and a great place to meet neighbours and catch up, and meet new people too!" "Always lovely and friendly. Feels very homely and welcoming."