Glastonbury Community Support Cafe
We facilitate the weekly Glastonbury Community Support Cafe at St John the Baptist Church. This event is a true coming-together of the local community, passionate volunteers and a range of local projects, services and professionals. It is a privilege to have the use of such a beautiful church with a rich history and possible origins dating back 1,000 years.
The event at its heart is community-led; it is a space for meeting with friends, making connections and mutuality – and there are countless small kindnesses that attendees show each other each week. Alongside this, a range of practical and emotional support is available to those who need it.
The cafe takes place every Monday between 10am – 12pm, with art therapy and occasionally other activities running into the afternoon. All are welcome to attend, and most weeks there are 80-100+ people coming through the doors. Some of the projects that are regularly in the space include information & signposting services, a free clothing stall, Spark iT digital volunteers, poetry group, neurodiverse chat space, singing session around the piano and more.
Community nurses, a GP and Housing Officers also regularly attend to support those who are street homeless or living in vans. The church provides a safe, flexible space for the various initiatives, and for one to-one conversations with professionals – for example if people are seeking practical assistance or emotional support. All projects and activities are currently free to access or offered by donation.
The wonderful volunteer kitchen team serve hot drinks, toast, snacks and fruit.
What people say about the Community Support Cafe:
“This event is really important. Without it, people in crisis would have been missed and unable to access support and help – people without family and friends.”
“There are so many connections between people and organisations – it’s a real joy to be part of that.”
“There would be nothing like this in Glastonbury without the project. It gives people something to look forward to and something to focus on. It lifts their confidence and self-esteem, and some would plummet like a stone without it. Longevity is pivotal.”
“People connect and share ideas – it’s a social opportunity. We often lack those spaces in society: we need the right spaces and resources for people to trust each other.”
“I have vascular dementia and the cafe is really helpful. I’ve got to have a weekly schedule – it’s really important for me to come here.”
“The cafe was recommended by a neighbour who came with me on the first visit. I’d stayed in for two or three months after a break-up and didn’t know anyone, and didn’t work. I wasn’t eating, I was depressed and I couldn’t see a way out – this place is the antidote. I didn’t think I’d fit in, but they networked me and I’ve made fantastic friends in various groups outside of the cafe including gardening and the repair cafe. It’s been an absolute boon, giving me validation and a role. They feel like my family. I may have had a troublesome weekend but I know Monday’s coming. I’d lived here in a difficult situation and didn’t know anyone – now I know the names and faces of 100 people I’ve met through here. The cafe really fulfils its role providing food, signposting and other support. You get linked to someone for more specific advice if needed. It’s a broad spectrum of people all using the space as their own, muddling in together.”