IN DEVELOPMENT / COMMUNITY WELLBEING
INFUSION CAFÉ
Come for a cuppa. Stay for the people.
Infusion Café is a developing, not-for-profit community café concept: good drinks, small bites and an informal place for people to meet, talk and find local connections.
WHY IT MATTERS
Sometimes a cuppa is the first step.
Joining a group can feel like a big step, especially when you don’t know anyone. A familiar, welcoming place to sit down and chat offers something simpler: a reason to leave the house, see a friendly face and start making connections.
Why this matters: The DCMS Community and Engagement Survey 2025/26 found that 14% of disabled people in England reported feeling lonely often or always, compared with 3% of non-disabled people. This is national context, not evidence of Infusion Café outcomes. See the survey findings.
FROM IDEAS TO ACTION
An everyday welcome. A bigger difference.
The proposed café would offer an informal place to enjoy refreshments, meet people and discover local activities or support. The format, accessibility arrangements and venue are being developed with potential partners; opening details have not yet been confirmed.
01
Make space
Create an inviting, accessible environment without the pressure of a formal activity.
02
Build familiarity
Make it easier to recognise familiar faces, have a conversation and feel part of something.
03
Listen and improve
Find out what visitors value, who is missing and how the offer can work better.
THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE
We hope to see more repeat visits, growing relationships and a stronger sense of welcome and belonging. These are intended outcomes for a developing project, not results already achieved.
GET INVOLVED
Could you help put the kettle on?
We’re looking to develop the idea with organisations and people who understand their community. If you could help with space, expertise, practical support or partnership working, we’d welcome a conversation.