Hebden Bridge Web

2 May 2018

Café Culture is back thanks to generous grants

Café Culture that helps tackle isolation was under threat of closure but thanks to generous grants from Thomson Reuters and the Community Foundation for Calderdale it is back.

Café Culture is an informal monthly social gathering offering an afternoon of quality entertainment aimed at Calderdale’s over-60s residents, carers and celebrates ageing, diversity, independence and boosts social inclusion.

The varied programme of monthly interactive talks in Hebden Bridge, served up with tea, coffee and homemade cakes, was under threat due to a serious funding shortfall.

Thomson Reuter’s grant was made as part of their long term commitment to boost local community projects that bring people together. They were joined by The Community Foundation for Calderdale who are a strategic grant making community leader, and this year they celebrate 26 years of grant making in Calderdale

Assistant Director of the Community Foundation Emma Woods-Bolger noted, “We identified isolation and loneliness as a major issue for people across Calderdale and have been investing significantly in local solutions, this project is one of many local projects we are backing.”

“What has become apparent is a need for social events, a reason to encourage individuals, their partners and carers to come out and listen to and share stories, Café Culture does just that”.

Hebden Bridge Festival work with event coordinator Lisa Graham to offer a quality roster of entertaining informative speakers as part of their year round arts provision in the town.

Hebden Bridge Arts Festival Director Helen Meller said, “In addition to the annual festival we are delivering year-round arts projects to our valued over-60s residents of Calderdale and supporting local artists, businesses and community groups to keep our town vibrant, inventive, active, inclusive and exciting.

“It is brilliant to sit in a room full of older local folk who have such fascinating stories to tell about their rich lives, and see them rekindle old friendships, as well as making new friends which help everyone who comes along feel less isolated.”  

The next Café Culture takes place on Thursday 10th May with an illustrated talk ‘Charting a Decade The 1960s' presents the music, events & personalities of the 60’s’.

If you are a resident in Calderdale and the idea of being a part of a monthly gathering that runs from 2pm to 3.30pm appeals, or if you belong to a group looking for a new activity contact helen@hbaf.co.uk for more information