Our story

Told by Jill Holder, volunteer

My name is Jill Holder. I have lived in Shieldfield for over 40 years. The Forum Café opened ten years ago to combat isolation and loneliness in the neighbourhood. It is a safe space that has become a local hub.

The café began with local people, a lot of them older, who would come and reminisce about the old days. We heard about stories of their childhoods and what Shieldfield used to be like. We learned of the area's rich history through conversation and photographs.

The café has many regulars who visit by themselves and have since become friends. Quite a few people pop in for a hot drink after dropping their washing off at the community launderette (Brian sends them). When new visitors come to the café, most of them return.

The café is run entirely by volunteers. We lease the building from the Council and we have a small committee — Elizabeth is the Chair, I am the Treasurer, and Frances is the Secretary. We have a five-star rating, the kitchen is spotless, and we give good value for money — a hot drink and biscuits for just £1. All the volunteers, through engaging with people, create a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

Every year we host several events, including a birthday party in August, a Macmillan Coffee Morning in September and a Christmas party in December. The café is also available for hire — we have Wi-Fi, a kitchen, and toilets, and the space has been hired by many different people and groups over the years.

The Forum Café during Covid

Before the Covid-19 pandemic we also opened on a Monday and held regular community meals celebrating different cultures. Due to the pandemic we had to put everything on hold. As soon as we were able, we opened for "take-aways" on a Wednesday. We had a table in the doorway and opened whatever the weather. The regulars came, and some new people too. Some walked by and enjoyed saying hello, others stopped for a hot drink. All felt the benefit of companionship (including me).

"Who would think we would be pleased to be cold, and sometimes wet, as long as we can see each other for a short while."

Everyone said thank you, and the whole dynamic of the café changed forever. We were not just friends, we became a proper community, and this vibe continues. New people who visit the café feel this welcoming atmosphere.

Working with our neighbours

We work with our local community by hosting events and working in partnership with other organisations here in Shieldfield.

Dwellbeing Shieldfield use the café once a month for their Neighbourhood Care Walkaround — they meet here on a Saturday at 12.30pm, and the Shieldfield Community Chefs prepare, cook, and serve a meal for them between 2pm–4pm. The Chefs also use the café kitchen to cook for other events too.

In January 2020 we started a Memory Café. This takes place on the first Thursday of the month between 2pm–4pm — we have afternoon tea and the table is set with china cups, saucers, plates and teapots. After the pandemic we teamed up with The NewBridge Project to continue hosting it. Now, as well as afternoon tea, we have an artist-led craft session — each one instructive and welcoming.

What we host

Over ten years the Forum Café has become far more than a café. A few highlights, drawn from our 10th anniversary celebrations:

Community café

Shared learning

Cultural resource

Community resource

Would you like to be a Forum Café volunteer?

We'd love to open more often, but we need your help to do it. Some people volunteer weekly, some occasionally, depending on their availability. If you're interested, pop in on a Wednesday or Saturday between 10am–1pm and ask for a volunteer pack.