Teddington Community Café held its grand re-opening event last week with tea, cakes, and friendly faces there for a chat.

The café was set up last year as a place of sanctuary for residents feeling isolated or anxious amid the pandemic.

Sadly despite two successful sessions it had to close after tighter government restrictions were brought in.

But last Monday (4 October) saw the café's triumphant return.

A team of volunteers led by Clare Rider, Sarah Rae and Lisa Dobinson hosted an afternoon of entertainment at the café in St Peter and St Paul's Church.

Twickenham MP and Liberal Democrat Health & Social Care spokesperson Munira Wilson was the VIP guest and the afternoon featured a jazz trio, exercise taster session and quiz.

Wilson later said she had a wonderful time visiting the café.

On Twitter she wrote: "Thanks to Lisa, Claire, Sarah, Chris, Joe & the whole team for this fab initiative to promote wellbeing + tackle loneliness.

"Lemon drizzle cake was awesome and my mum had a blast!"

Local resident Heather also shared her experience of the event.

She called the café a "Wonderful addition to our community, especially for those combatting loneliness and isolation."

The café is run by volunteers and all the cakes and biscuits are homemade.

It was set up by Teddington Parish in partnership with two NHS Primary Care Networks and disability charities Ruils and Richmond Aid.

The café also hosts local social prescribers and their clients.

Last week's free event was sponsored by the Richmond Full of Life Fund and held as part of the Council's celebrations for Silver Sunday across the borough.

The Community Café now runs every Monday afternoon from 1.30pm to 4.30pm at 4 Church Street.

This Autumn there are plans to feature a different local service or charity at the event each week, inviting representatives to provide advice and show-case their work.

Find out more about the café here.

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