Named “One Cup at a Time,” the project emerged from an idea to bring people together from the local community at a bi-weekly café with a theme to have discussion around “On this day in history”. This would then enable open discussion and create an atmosphere which would help to encourage those attending to feel able to contribute and join in with conversations centred around historical events.
In 2018 funding was secured from the Norfolk Community Foundation to address loneliness amongst individuals over the age of 55 who lived in the Great Yarmouth area. The Lived Experience Team prepared the bid for the project and developed the budget to enable them to deliver a scheme offering both connection and support to people living with loneliness. The coming together of two diverse communities brought many rewards for all involved and provided training and personal development to those running the scheme who all lived within Herring House Trust’s Discover to Recover Project – housing and support for people seeking abstinence from dependency.
Named “One Cup at a Time”, the project emerged from an idea to bring people together from the local community at a bi-weekly café with a theme to have discussion around “On this day in history”. This would then enable open discussion and create an atmosphere which would help to encourage those attending to feel able to contribute and join in with conversations centred around historical events. This innovative approach aimed not only to alleviate loneliness but also to provide a warm, inviting space for social interaction.
The café offered more than just conversation; guests were treated to a two-course homemade meal and freshly brewed coffee, courtesy of a newly purchased barista machine, funded from the Norfolk Community Foundation (NCF) grant. Over the course of six years, the project thrived, thanks to additional funding secured for its continuation. It quickly became a cornerstone of the community, providing not only nourishment but also a sense of belonging.
The success of “One Cup at a Time” extended far beyond its initial purpose. Many guests who frequented the café found not just a meal, but a supportive network of friends within the Herring House Trust community and beyond. The bonds formed in those bi-weekly gatherings endured, enriching the lives of both guests and organisers alike and friendships formed with those guests attending making friendships outside of the Wednesday group.
For the members of the Lived Experience Team, the project represented more than just a way to combat loneliness; it was a journey of personal growth and empowerment. As they witnessed the positive impact of their efforts first-hand, their self-confidence soared, and they found purpose in helping others. Through “One Cup at a Time”, they discovered their capacity to effect change, not only in their own lives but also in the lives of those around them.
So, from the humble beginnings of a bi-weekly café came a belief in themselves knowing they could create and develop projects that would make a difference.
This group is self-funding as all participants are asked for a minimum £3 donation towards the meal and any extra donations are used to help fund Brew Crew, paying forward to the people who attend and are in need.