Suella met with the Councillor for Fareham West Ward, Tina Ellis, to visit the newly created support network at Cozee Café. The Cozee Café has become a vibrant hub for members of the community in need of support. Given its success, further plans are emerging to create more hubs like this across Hampshire.
During the pandemic, Cozee Café became a regular meeting spot for many people in need of support. This included groups with young mums, a group of ladies, residents with mobility issues, members of slimming world, the Red Hat Society, those undergoing rehabilitation for stroke and carers needing a break. This support network acts as a place to improve wellbeing and social connection within the community.
Suella was pleased to learn of the positive impact this is having on those struggling with daily life. The tightknit group is always looking out for their members and genuinely strives to make life easier for everyone. If a regular doesn't turn up, members of the group will ring or visit to ensure everything is ok with them. Dave Ashcroft, owner of Cozee Café, pays close attention to his customers and is always there for them. On a number of occasions, Dave has closed the café to drive users of the hub to urgent medical appointments. The hub has plans to grow their network and is looking to introduce new support methods for members. Suella was excited to hear about Cozee Café’s plans to introduce free counselling sessions and art therapy.
Councillor for Titchfield Common at FBC and Fareham Titchfield at HCC, Sarah Pankhurst, has used Cozee Café’s success story to build further support hubs around Fareham and across Hampshire. Cllr Pankhurst is currently in the process of setting up Hampshire County Council’s ‘Chat About’ scheme.
Chat About is a free scheme for Hampshire businesses and organisations wishing to play a role in improving wellbeing and social connection in the community. The scheme is targeted at café owners, coffee morning groups, social groups or organisers of community activities. Membership of the scheme will demonstrate a commitment to customers and the wider community.
Chat About will encourage businesses and organisations to create spaces where people can connect over conversation no matter their age, background or circumstance. Staff and volunteers who take time to chat and have the skills and knowledge to signpost to help when needed, can help those who may be struggling. This can prevent people becoming very unwell and helps raise awareness of available support.
Any Hampshire business, voluntary or community organisation can sign up to ‘Chat About’. Cafés, pubs, libraries, community centres, hairdressers, beauty salons and nail bars. Anywhere where people can connect with others.
To learn more about HCC’s free Chat About scheme and for guidance on how you can take part, please visit the link below.
https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/publichealth/mentalwellbeinghampshire/chatabout
Commenting, Suella Said:
“It’s wonderful to see Fareham residents with a passionate sense of community. Cozee Café have created an amazing support network for people who feel lonely, isolated or struggle with their mental health. Cozee’s hub is there for everyone. Their members truly care about the health and wellbeing of one another. It’s great to see they’re growing in popularity and bringing more members of the community together. Free art therapy and counselling is an excellent idea.
I’m excited to see the hub having a wider impact across Hampshire. I think that Hampshire County Council’s Chat About scheme will make such a difference to those of us who are struggling.
It’s important that we raise the awareness of social wellbeing groups and encourage people to talk about their problems. I think that the team at Cozee Café are doing an excellent job at this.”
Commenting, Cllr Sarah Pankhurst, Councillor for Titchfield Common at FBC and Fareham Titchfield at HCC, Said:
“As the newly appointed Mental Health Champion for Hampshire, I am pleased to introduce a free service for hubs and cafes to provide a “Chat About” service which provides a valuable source of wellbeing and social connection for those who may need extra support and to help prevent loneliness. Membership will provide commitment to customers and the wider community and is totally free.”
