Educafe began sowing the seeds for an idea we hoped would better support our diverse and vibrant local communities back in 2021. Since then, we have been establishing our roots in West Berkshire, exploring how to boost community spirit and cohesion, improve health and wellbeing, and provide access to local services and learning opportunities.
We have learned a lot – and achieved a lot – in those five short years, but our core mission has remained the same: to provide residents with an opportunity to connect, make friends, build confidence and feel welcome.
We are now excited to share that our mission is expanding to Wiltshire, where we are launching our first pilot in April 2026.
So far, these include:
– Migration Stories: an oral history project, running from April to August.
– Creators’ Corner: skill swapping and crafting.
– Games Corner for adults: companion board and card games.
– Reading Corner: bring your own book or try a ‘lucky dip’ from the History Centre’s local studies library.
– Moonrakers’ Cafe: providing a space to chat and make new friends over tea and coffee.
“Educafe is built on the belief that welcoming, volunteer-led spaces can transform lives and strengthen communities. It is wonderful to see the model evolving in a new location, supported by passionate local partners who share that vision,” says Educafe’s Director, Clare Middleton.
“We are incredibly excited to see the launch of Moonrakers’ Educafe at the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre. Congratulations to Julie, Gianna and the whole team for their determination and creativity in bringing this space to life for the Chippenham community and beyond.”
Like Educafe Newbury, Moonrakers will be led by and for the community, with volunteers playing an invaluable role in making it happen. There will be a variety of opportunities available with support and training, which will be announced in due course.
We know how much work has gone into it and can’t wait to see this come to fruition – and hopefully act as a blueprint for many more.
Moonrakers’ Educafe will take place every fortnight from Monday 27 April at the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre. If you’re interested in volunteering, please email MoonrakersEducafe@wiltshire.gov.uk
