The aim is to encourage interaction between local communities to reduce loneliness and isolation in rural areas. We provide a safe and friendly setting for communities to get together, while empowering them with information from local council, village agent and our local police. By providing such a group, the community is growing stronger, friendlier and naturally more helpful to one another.

Highwood is a rural village, made up of several scatterd hamlets. There has been no central point in the village such as a shop. Since the brand new village hall was built there is now a central point, and the Cafe provides the perfect social setting for neighbours and villagers to get together, re-acquaint themselves and also make new friendships. People who may otherwise feel rather lonely or isolated can come along to the Cafe on their own, knowing they will receive a warm welcome.

The outcome of the Cafe is that community spirit is growing stronger and bonds between neighbours are becoming evident. Also, because the Cafe hosts the Beat Surgery, the local Council Information Service and the Village Agent Information Service, our villagers are equipping themselves with local advice and knowledge, which was otherwise unavailable to them. The volunteers have become a strong unit of friends, united by a common goal to continue providing such an invaluable service.