Our new community engagement cafe project aims to create a welcoming and inclusive space for residents and employees in the Batford and East Harpenden area which has few spaces available where people can come together.

This initiative is designed to foster a sense of community and to provide healthy & affordable food and coffee options. The cafe will offer a variety of services, including free Wi-Fi, job training programmes, befriending and workshops on topics such as financial literacy and healthy living. By partnering with local suppliers wherever possible, the cafe will ensure fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, promoting sustainability and supporting the local economy.

Additionally, the cafe will host regular events such as open mic nights, art exhibitions, and community meetings, providing a platform for local talent and a venue for meaningful conversations.

This project is not just about serving coffee; it’s about creating a vibrant community hub where everyone feels valued and connected. Through this initiative, we hope to uplift the neighbourhood, create job opportunities, and build a stronger, more resilient community.

We want to ensure that the environment of the cafe is accessible to all, so we are creating a disabled toilet facility and ensuring we have furniture at all different heights, so anyone can find somewhere comfortable and accessible to enjoy the space. In future we are looking to partner with local colleges to provide vocational opportunities for students with learning disabilities. Our aim is provide on the job training for those wanting to up-skill in the area of hospitality and particularly barista training.

The money raised here will be put towards setting up the coffee shop, including the coffee machine, furniture and more! We’re excited to see who will partner with us on this amazing journey to serve our community.