After serving 480 visitors during its pilot scheme, Llanfair Caereinion’s Community Café has re-opened following a summer break.

On Thursday, September 14, Caffi Cymunedol Llanfair Caereinion welcomed regular and newcomers back to The Institute to resume its regular meetings.

The project was launched in April 2023 in a pilot scheme and is now backed by two grants from Tirgwynt Community Fund and the Mick Bates Community Memorial Trust to help with its marketing and running costs.

Ruth Bates, one of the café leaders said: “The pilot was a big success and demonstrated that people value it as a place to meet. We thank Llanfair Caereinion Town Council for supporting the pilot.

“Our consultation during the pilot highlighted that the experience of visiting or volunteering at the cafe enhances people’s wellbeing. In turn this helps to combat rural isolation and loneliness, issues that are enduring challenges in rural communities.

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“We are enormously grateful to our funders for their support and we look forward to seeing the money used for the benefit of the cafe community.”

In total, the café relies on 27 volunteers from the community who support the day to day running of the project, which has served nearly 500 people from the area, regularly drawing in 40 people per meeting.

County Times: The Llanfair Community Cafe welcomes an average of 40 people per meeting.

One of those volunteers, Nia Pryce, said: “Volunteering has boosted my self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Doing good for others and the community, provides a natural sense of accomplishment. It has been a joy to be around like minded people and help support and engage with the community.”

The volunteers are currently painting and redecorating their room at The Institute. During the summer break the café leaders and Trustees of the Institute developed an agreement that safeuards the running of the café for an entire year.

Phil Langford, Chair of the Institute Management Committee said; “We are pleased to support the café as it helps increase footfall into the Institute. We have ensured the café is opened on the days of the Library, in the hope that people will use both facilities.”

The café opening times are Thursday, from 10.30am until 12.30pm, and Friday, from 12.30pm until 4.30pm and is open weekly.

The café also shares regular updates and activities at each session on its Facebook page, Caffi Cymunedol Llanfair Caereinion.