All over the UK, volunteers play a crucial role helping with charity work and projects in the community. Here in rural South Northamptonshire, there are many successful volunteer-led coffee mornings already in existence and my team has been identifying areas where there is a need for more.

Already we have seen that these coffee mornings can bring all ages together - mothers with young children and elderly village residents being two examples. A timetable can be organised for support organisations to come along, for instance Citizens Advice, the Happy at Home project, Age UK, etc., so that people can access these services without having to get to venues in towns. Often groups set up book swap (there is a box of books for people to choose unread novels), and handmade food and craft items are sold.

Recently, a new one started in Castle Ashby at The Buttery and it now takes place on the last Thursday of every month.

In the ‘Strengthening Communities’ section of the website you will be able to find some guidance to help you plan a new coffee morning and more information on those that currently run (that I know about!). Please do get in touch if you need any support