Brighton and Hove coffee roasters team up with Age UK to combat loneliness

Small Batch Coffee Roasters will run Cafe Clubs at all of its branches in partnership with Age UK

The Brighton and Hove branch of the charity Age UK has partnered with the company to introduce the clubs to every Small Batch Coffee Roasters venue in the city

Every Monday from 10- 11am, over-50s can meet for coffee and a chance to have conversations and make new friends.

The national charity provides services and support for older people and it is hoped the clubs will tackle loneliness

Volunteers from Age UK Brighton and Hove will attend the Café Club events, so those attending can find out more about services for older people in the city.

Rowan Hillier, development manager at Age UK Brighton and Hove, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Small Batch on this.”

“Hopefully we’ll brighten up Monday mornings as we get people together and talking.

“If you want to make new friends, fancy a change of scenery or if you’re feeling lonely, just drop in.

“You’ll get a discount card and in time, perhaps some new friends too!”

Café Club members receive a discount card and their tenth drink free of charge.

All small batch venues - with the exception of Wellington House, which will only run Café Clubs in the summer - will offer a relaxed alternative to more traditional coffee mornings.

Laura Lumsden, from Small Batch, said: “Here at Small Batch we are really excited to be extending the Café Club to all our cafés.

“It has been a real pleasure to get to know some of the people who attend the club regularly at Wilbury Road and we are looking forward to getting to know some more new faces.”

Age UK West Sussex and Age UK Brighton and Hove merged in July 2019.

Last year the charities helped more than 15,000 older people, tackling issues like poverty, social care and loneliness as well as helping people make the most of later life.

More information about Age UK and the services it offers can be found at its website.