Brewing up new friendships

A coffee morning is continuing to brew up plenty of friendships.

The Long Sutton Community Cuppa is one of 41 organised by the Lincolnshire Co-Op.

Around 60 to 80 people attend the Friday morning events from 9.30am to 12pm at St Mary’s Church in the Market Place.

A team of 11 volunteers oversee it all ranging in age from their early 20s to an 86-year-old.

Volunteer Kate Loveday, (68) said: “I’m coming up to retirement, and I was worried I wouldn’t find a new hobby.

“Thanks to our coffee mornings, I’ve made friends who I go on trips with, I’m helping people in my town, and I’m doing something I truly enjoy.”

It was set up by Jo Birdseye and Susan Benfell in 2023 after a similar service didn’t restart after the Covid lockdowns.

“When we first started the Community Cuppa, we didn’t anticipate the impact it would have on our local community, and we can see the difference we’ve made to people who may have been struggling with loneliness or finding something to get them out of their homes.

“It’s fantastic that so many incredible friendships are being made through the support we give each other and by sharing life experiences, especially for our volunteers who give up their own time to be here – we value them so much.”

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