Connect for fun and friendship in Bedford’s new community cafe

A Bedford Housing Association is opening a cafe to help people connect.

bpha Housing Association is hoping to follow on from its warm hub, created in March this year, with Cafe Connect creating a space for people to come together for fun, friendship and home cooked food.

The cafe launches on Wednesday, November 15 at Queens Park Community centre on Marlborough Road and will be open 12.15pm to 2.15pm every second Wednesday during term time.

A spokesman for bhpa said: “This follows on from the great success of the warm hub that was launched in March in partnership with the chair of Queen’s Park Community Centre (Richard Ward) where over 200 residents attended in just 4 sessions.

“As well as residents enjoying the delicious home-made food cooked by talented local ladies, external partners who had a presence at the hub were able to informally speak to residents about the services they offer and how to access their service which resulted in supporting many families/individuals that needed help.

“Many residents in Queen’s Park have approached us asking when the café will be reinstated. We have seen the positive impact of community hubs, where we support the community with a range of courses, information, advice, and opportunities to connect.”

The cafe offers free craft activities and support and advice from local services, along with a variety of home cooked food on a first come first served basis.

The scheme is in partnership with Bedford Borough Council, Faith in Queens Park and Best Start Family Hubs.