What our visitors say...
"Educafe has helped me to rebuild my confidence after a very difficult period in my life where I was threatened with redundancy and had Covid-19 to cope with. I had lost a lot of confidence in my abilities and it was suggested to me that with my background in teaching, the Chatty Corner could really benefit. I gained my mojo back, made new friends, whilst feeling a renewed sense of pride in helping people feel welcome and at home in Newbury. I also got to try new activities which helped my mental and physical health such as chair yoga."
- Anon
- Anon
"It's very good interacting with other people, even if you didn't talk to them you are interacting and watching everything going on. I'm a full-time carer and it gives me a break being here, I'm with my husband 24/7 and we both need a change of scenery. It's very friendly and we are warm here - my husband is chronically ill and really feels the cold and our 1 bedroom flat costs £3k to heat last year. Educafe gives me a reason to get out of the house and socialise despite challenging times. It’s helped me feel more connected to my community."
- Anon
- Anon
"Educafe has changed my life. I retired just before lockdown and spent many hours on my own. I lost all confidence and felt very alone. I walked past the cafe when it was in The Globe. One of the volunteers was outside and asked if I would like a coffee. I went in and joined the ladies at the Knit and Natter table.
Everyone was so welcoming, I enjoyed my visit and have been visiting every week since. I have made some wonderful friends. I have witnessed a lot of others coming together. There is something there for everyone, the most important being friendship and company."
- Anon, Knit and Natter
- Anon, Knit and Natter
"Educafe is a very helpful organisation because it helps to overcome many mental issues for those who have to settle their life in a new world. You can not only practise your English but share your problems and find the solution and support. Personally for me it was a salvation at the beginning of my being in Newbury. Can't find the words how difficult it was for me when I was absolutely alone and I waited for every Wednesday to retreat my soul and practise English."
- Anon, Chatty Corner
- Anon, Chatty Corner
"I’ve never felt more part of a community than this one and I’ve only been living here for 5 years. It’s thanks to Educafe I feel at home and settled here. I have made new friends through Educafe and found support networks unlike I’ve had elsewhere. It’s incredible to be part of this community and I see so many others who feel the same. It’s very special."
- Volunteer
- Volunteer
"I love the Chatty Corner community. I have met so many new people with fascinating stories and life experiences. I had no idea the community in and around Newbury was so vibrant and diverse until I started volunteering. Refugees are making our communities stronger. I wish more people would meet them and interact with them to make this personal connection to larger global issues."
- Volunteer
- Volunteer
"I love Educafe. I feel connected to my community and it makes me feel so positive and energised. I feel part of something very important and unique, I would not get to socialise with such a varied group of people without Educafe."
- Anon
- Anon
I believe I make a real difference to people's lives - signposting people to services and really listening, from mental health support to housing and bereavement. I have also seen countless refugees use Educafe as a lifeline, which is their route to being part of the community. I have friends who are 89 and 94 now - they are the best and I bring my 10 year old daughter in to see them when I can. She now has adopted grandads!
- Volunteer
- Volunteer
"Parent village has been an incredibly important resource for me. I first started attending as a new mum in the middle of a mental breakdown having been told that there were friendly faces and support available. I found open minds, freedom to express my anxiety and mum guilt and a shoulder or two to cry on. It has been empowering to be able to share my experience with others and hear about others' lives."
- Anon, Parent Village
- Anon, Parent Village
"It’s not only getting education with cafe, but also getting a sense of friendship and love that can be passed on to others. It will make society a better place if there are more Educafes."
- Anon, Chatty Corner
- Anon, Chatty Corner
"Thanks to the Educafe Team I have found a big support when I came from war country - Ukraine. I improved English language, found amazing new friends and work opportunities. I’m so grateful! "
Anon, Chatty Corner
Anon, Chatty Corner