You said. We listened

You Said, We Listened: What Our Community Told Us About the Café

Our café is more than somewhere to grab a coffee or a bite to eat. For many people, it is a place to meet, connect, feel welcome and be part of the community.

That was one of the clearest messages from our recent Cornerstone Voices discussion about the café.

Six members of our community joined us to share their experiences, what they love about the café, what could be better and what they would like to see in the future.

And they didn’t hold back!

That is exactly what Cornerstone Voices is about; creating a space where local people can share honest, constructive feedback and help shape the services that matter to them.

First things first: you told us how much the café matters

The strongest message we heard was simple:

Please don’t lose what makes this café special.

Community members described the café as a lifeline for some local people, somewhere safe and welcoming to spend time, meet friends and reduce loneliness.

People particularly valued the friendly atmosphere, approachable staff, volunteers, central location and the fact that the café feels like “their café”, rather than simply a place to buy food and drinks.

That sense of community is something we want to protect.

You said: “We’d like a stronger lunch offer.”

One of the biggest areas discussed was food.

You told us that the current lunch options can feel limited and that a stronger, affordable lunchtime offer could encourage more people to visit.

There was also lots of love for the previous three-course meal, soup, main course and dessert — which people remembered as excellent value.

Some community members said they would be happy to pay around £5–£6 for a similar offer if it could be brought back.

Healthy and affordable choices were also highlighted as particularly important for a Healthy Living Centre.

What we are looking at:
Reviewing the café lunch offer and exploring whether a good-value meal option could be reintroduced.

You said: “Consistency matters.”

This came through loud and clear.

Over the past year, community members have noticed changes to opening hours, menus, daily specials, staffing and the food offer.

While new ideas are welcome, the group told us that reliability is now more important than constant change.

Knowing when the café is open, what is likely to be on the menu and what service to expect makes it easier for people to plan their visits.

What we are looking at:
Reviewing how we can provide a more consistent café experience.

You said: “Keep us informed.”

Another important message was communication.

You told us that changes can sometimes be communicated too late or without enough notice, particularly changes to opening hours, menus, staffing or temporary services.

What we’re looking at:

 Improving how and when café changes are communicated so that people have clearer information and more time to plan.

You said: “Make the experience easier.”

You also shared some great practical ideas.

These included:

☑️ Making sure menus accurately reflect what’s available
☑️ Confirming the total cost before customers make payment
☑️ Showing the order total clearly
☑️ Exploring staff and volunteer name badges
☑️ Introducing a volunteer information board
☑️ Looking at ways to reduce waiting times
☑️ Exploring whether a self-service drinks machine could return
☑️ Making sure advertised community activities are properly coordinated

Some ideas are small changes, but they can make a big difference to someone’s experience.

And you had lots of good things to say too!

We don’t want the things that need improving to overshadow what is already working well.

You told us that the café has:

A friendly and welcoming atmosphere
Caring and approachable staff
Wonderful volunteers
A great location and transport links
An important role in bringing people together
A positive impact on loneliness and social connection

Our volunteers were particularly valued, with Amelia receiving recognition for her progress and contribution.

So, what matters most?

When we asked the group to identify the three biggest priorities for the future, there was a clear consensus:

1. AFFORDABILITY

The café needs to remain accessible to local people, particularly during the ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

2. CONSISTENCY

People want a reliable service — from opening hours and menus to the food and overall experience.

3. COMMUNITY OWNERSHIP

The café should continue to feel like it belongs to the community and retain its welcoming, community-focused identity.

This is only the beginning

The Cornerstone Voices discussion is part of a wider consultation about the café.

We are now looking at the feedback alongside responses from the café consultation questionnaire and feedback submitted through Reception.

The aim is not simply to collect feedback.

It is to show what happens because people took the time to speak up.

That’s why we are introducing regular “You Said, We Did” updates, so you can see what we are considering, what we are changing and where things are still being worked through.

Keep talking to us

Have something to say about our services?

We want to hear it.

You can share your thoughts through the feedback box at Reception or take part in future Cornerstone Voices discussions.

Because this is your community,  and your voice matters.

You said. We listened. Now let’s keep the conversation going.