Teddington Churches St. Mary with St. Alban and St. Peter and St Paul in partnership with the two local NHS Primary Care Networks and disability charities Ruils and Richmond Aid, have launched a community café, designed to bring people together and give those feeling anxious or isolated, the opportunity for a friendly chat alongside local advice and information.

The café, which opened on 5th October, will run weekly at St Peter and St Paul's Church, Teddington on Monday afternoons, 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

Local volunteers will be on hand to serve quality hot and cold drinks and delicious cakes, and anyone is welcome. The Café will be run following strict Covid-secure measures and a track and trace system will be in place.

The café organisers said: "Launching a community café in the midst of a pandemic might seem a Herculean task. However, we believe that it can be done – slowly, cautiously and following evolving Government guidelines.

"There is a great need for a calm place with a positive atmosphere where those who feel isolated or anxious can find sanctuary and friendship to guide them through these challenging times. We look forward to welcoming you."

Cathy Maker, CEO of Ruils said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership to launch this community café, which we hope will help to connect people in the community.

"The café aims to work alongside our Social Prescribing initiative, which aims to support people to take control of their physical and mental well-being by connecting them to activities and support in their local community. Our team of link workers will be available at the café to support those who need them."

Social Prescribing is a new initiative introduced by NHS England. Evidence from pilot research shows that it can lead to a range of positive health and wellbeing outcomes, such as improved quality of life and emotional wellbeing.

It supports people to take control of their physical and mental health by connecting them with activities and support in their local community.

It starts with a GP or other health care professional making a referral to a link worker (based in a GP practice) who then finds out about the individual, and what they want to achieve or change. The link worker then helps to explore available options.

This could include supporting people managing stress, loneliness, finding social groups, learning new skills, a physical activity or getting information on employment, benefits, housing and legal advice.

For further information please email [email protected].