Sidmouth's new Friendship Café helping to tackle loneliness in the town

By Hannah Corfield

12th Jul 2019 | Local News

Sidmouth Friendship Café at Kennaway House offers a warm, welcome space for anyone to turn up and enjoy activities, or a simple a cup of tea, in the company of others.

The initiative was set up three weeks ago and runs once a week on a Wednesday afternoon from 2-4pm. It costs just £2 for unlimited hot or cold drinks and a slice of cake!

Sue Fuller is behind the project and Sidmouth Nub News caught up with her to find out more.

She said: "It's basically for anyone who might be lonely, or live on their own, and want to make new friends.

"Activities such as knitting and puzzles are provided, or people can just sit and chat.

"Originally it was to get more people involved with Kennaway House as a resource for the community, because lots of people don't know it exists.

"We run the craft fair twice a month as well and I just wanted to do something else, so that's how I came up with the idea of doing the Friendship Café.

"The first week I had five people turn up and yesterday we had about thirteen.

"At the moment it's all women, but we're trying to encourage a few men!"

For more information on Kennaway House in Sidmouth, click the red button below.