Richard Luscombe Local resident Betty Edwards was introduced to the work of Argyle Community Trust by a care worker who was caring for her husband after a fall in 2023. This turned out to be a timely referral for Betty, who has thrived since joining the friendly group at the Community Café, and through receiving food support from the Manadon Food Larder over the past two years.
In January 2023, Argyle Community Trust’s flagship facility, Manadon Sports and Community Hub, was proudly selected as a warm space as part of the city’s cost-of-living support for residents. More than a community session, the hub was opened up to provide an inclusive and friendly space for people to connect, and to provide signposting for support, free hot food and drinks, access to charging points to charge electronic devices, free wi-fi access, and a warm, heated space during the colder months.
In May 2023, due to rising demand for food support, we established the Manadon Food Larder as part of Project 35, our social impact initiative in partnership with Ginsters, aimed at tackling poverty in the region, to provide food relief to residents in need. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the warm space, we continued this support through a Community Café, also supported through Project 35.
With both sessions running on a Friday morning, community members can come to their local hub, get the vital food support they need, and utilise the facilities all morning to support their wellbeing. Whether it is breakfast, bingo, arts and crafts, seasonal outings, or just a coffee and a chat, the Community Café provides a safe space for people to socialise.
Betty Edwards is a prime example of the feel-good community spirit the hub has developed. Having initially attended the café at a time of need, Betty has been a regular attendee since the passing of her husband last year, and her personal growth has been an inspiration to all.
“The Hub literally saved my life. My husband sadly passed last July, and if I had stayed at home, I would have just given up. I come to the hub because it’s company and so I’m not on my own,” said Betty.
“I was introduced to the Community Café by a care worker, and I thought, well, I’ll give it a go. I thought I was going to be sad over there, with me being all on my own with nobody to talk to. I was given a tour of the facility, and I was made to feel so welcome, and I joined in right away. I was surprised to learn that I already knew some of the people that were attending but was also delighted to be introduced to new people that I now call my friends. It’s just wonderful.
“The staff made me feel so welcome and comfortable, and Faye is just amazing. She is at each of the sessions, and she really makes me feel important and like I matter.
“They gave me a reason to carry on. It means everything to me, and it’s something to look forward to.
“If I didn’t have this to come to, I think I would have just gradually faded away. I wasn’t interested in anything, having lost my husband. To be able to come here, chat to people, and share hobbies like knitting is just wonderful. I have knitted for 70 years and have joined a knitting club with some of the others that attend, having met them and realised we shared the same interest. We also sometimes bring beads to make necklaces, but you can chat about and do whatever you like, whatever interests you.
“I have never been into football, but I now appreciate what football and Argyle give back to the community.
“I’m a real hugger, so I get lots of hugs over at the café. I’m nicknamed cuddles because I cuddle everybody, whether you like it or not! But before the café, I wouldn’t have done that. I would have been a sad old lady. Instead, I’m a happy old lady!
“I found out about the food larder at the same time as the café. It comes in very handy, and I know it supports a lot of people who need it. With it being at the same time, I can get my food and then enjoy the rest of the morning with my friends.”
“I can’t recommend it more to people who feel lonely. You should definitely come along. I just wish more people in my situation would think of coming up, because they’ll be made so welcome.”
Based at Manadon Sports and Community Hub every Friday morning from 9:30 am to midday, our Community Café aims to combat isolation and loneliness by providing a safe environment for all, and everyone is welcome. It aspires to provide people experiencing loneliness the chance to connect and socialise with similar individuals – an opportunity many fail to experience in a week.
Our Manadon Community Larder provides food relief for those in need. For £3.50 you can get 12 items, including staples like tinned food and cereal, fresh meat pies, milk, and unlimited vegetables.
Find out more about our Community Cafe and Food Larder by emailing trevor.higgins@pafc.co.uk or register your interest here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhp0Qhpmp0U7g_6RAhae5nuoCD8ElHo2RwfPn_nTBdpR_rgg/viewform?pli=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawNJ6ChleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2dEtZbFYwZDVMNVBJU3BhAR54TVV8fJumtdf2n9Rg4ovCnNo-1D1YIC4IxepAuFhLqCCR7yCc7FsU_lLEAg_aem_rSE2PicLns8hxScFcXbHYQ
For more information on Project 35, how it can support you, or how you can get involved, please visit https://www.pafc.co.uk/project35.