Places of Welcome at Cosy Cafe – A Warm Hub for Wellbeing and Connection

Weekly Open Session: Tuesdays, 10:30 am - 1:30 pm, Bridgeway Hall Methodist Church, Nottingham

In response to the cost-of-living crisis in Nottingham’s Meadows area, the Cosy Cafe was launched as a warm, welcoming space for people of all backgrounds. Part of the Places of Welcome network, the Cosy Cafe offers not only a warm refuge but also a place where people can connect, share skills, and support each other. Led by Dave Shaw, the project reflects the community’s spirit of unity and the support from local churches and volunteers.

Dave Shaw – Project Lead
“The idea for Cosy Cafe came from seeing the struggles people were facing to stay warm in their homes. Inspired by a warm hub charter from Sunderland City Council, we set out to create a space where people could find warmth, friendship, and practical help. Joining the Warm Hub Association and, more recently, Places of Welcome has strengthened this support network, allowing us to serve the Meadows community in a greater way.

We’ve designed Cosy Cafe as a skills-based hub, so we have activities like knitting and jigsaw puzzles, which are great for starting conversations. The garden is another peaceful space where people can work together, growing vegetables and enjoying some time outdoors. Kilo, our resident dog, is an unofficial member of the team and contributes to everyone’s wellbeing. There’s something about the garden and Kilo’s presence that really lifts people’s spirits.

One of the special aspects of the cafe is that people can use and share their skills here. Paul, who worked in construction, has found a purpose again by helping with maintenance tasks around the building. It’s empowering to see people who might not be able to work full-time still use their talents—whether it’s bricklaying or knitting. The skills shared here aren’t just practical; they’re a reminder of each person’s unique value.

We’re grateful for the support from local churches—St. George’s, Pilgrim Church, and the Full Gospel Church have all helped sustain our food pantry and Sunday Supper. It’s inspiring to see faith communities come together for a shared purpose, and other churches are exploring the idea of opening more Cosy Cafes in the area. We already had a strong volunteer base from the food bank and pantry, so launching Cosy Cafe was a natural extension of that, bringing even more people into this supportive circle.

Some of those who come to the cafe were recently homeless, others are struggling with isolation. For some, social venues like pubs aren’t suitable, either due to affordability or the need to avoid alcohol. Here, they find a place where they can relax, enjoy a meal, and socialize without barriers. It’s been heartwarming to see men in particular, who might not always have social spaces available to them, feeling comfortable and forming friendships at the cafe.

Cosy Cafe has grown into more than a warm hub—it’s a community of shared experiences, skills, and support. Seeing people come together each week is a reminder of how we can create meaningful connections and a sense of belonging, welcoming everyone.”