Wetherby’s Community Café and Advice Hub celebrates its first anniversary
Everyone is invited to join the celebrations on Friday 23 October
Wetherby’s Community Café and Advice Hub is celebrating its first anniversary tomorrow.
To celebrate, the team is hosting a birthday party on Friday 23 October, from noon to 1.30pm, following the usual café session at St James’ Church Rooms, Church Street, Wetherby.
“Everyone is welcome to drop in, enjoy a cuppa and join the celebrations,” said Projects Coordinator Hayley Dodsworth.
Established in October 2025, the Community Café and Advice Hub provides a welcoming, inclusive space where everyone can enjoy free refreshments, a friendly chat and access a wide range of free advice and support.
Activities include cookery demonstrations, crafts, jigsaws, board games and a weekly quiz. Children are welcome, with a supervised toddler area available.
The cafe also brings local organisations together to help residents navigate life's challenges, access practical support and find solutions before problems become overwhelming.
A dedicated advisor from North Yorkshire Citizens Advice and Law provides confidential, one-to-one support every week, alongside a rolling programme of representatives from partner organisations and community groups offering advice, information and practical help.
Importantly, the café is open to everyone, not just people who use the Foodbank.
Hayley added: “The idea for Wetherby’s Community Café and Advice Hub emerged from a collaborative meeting involving local churches, councillors, businesses, charities, GPs and other community organisations.
“Recognising the benefits of bringing services together in one accessible place, they worked towards creating a community hub where residents could find the right help and support face to face.
“Coordinated by Wetherby and District Foodbank, the café is a genuine partnership initiative.”
Organisations involved from its inception continue to contribute their time and expertise, with partners attending at least monthly.
Together, they have created a valuable network of support covering debt management, legal advice, mental health, health and wellbeing, family support, older people’s care, housing and employment. Practical guidance has included CV writing and help exploring routes back into work.
Hayley added: “The right advice at the right time can make a lasting difference.
“It can help someone move out of poverty, find employment, secure affordable housing, identify suitable care for an elderly parent or access legal advice to protect their rights and ensure they are treated fairly.
“By offering this support in ‘a friendly, familiar setting, the café helps people explore their options, build confidence and take positive steps towards a more secure future.”
The café has welcomed increasing numbers of residents over the past year.
Between July and September, 240 visits were recorded to the Community Café and Advice Hub.
Debbie Marriott, Community Café and Advice Hub Manager and Trustee of Wetherby and District Foodbank, said: “We are incredibly proud of what the Community Café and Advice Hub has achieved in its first year.
“It is a wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared commitment to improving people’s lives.
“Its strength lies in the many partners who helped shape it and continue to contribute their time, knowledge and expertise.
“People can face unexpected challenges at any stage of life.
“Losing a job, a relationship breaking down, becoming unwell or taking on caring responsibilities can have a significant impact on someone’s finances and wellbeing.
“Emergency food support will always be vital, but we also want to help people find a way forward and build a more secure future.
“Sometimes that means accessing benefits or managing debt. It might mean finding a job, securing affordable housing, arranging appropriate care for an elderly relative or getting legal advice to ensure someone’s rights are protected.
“These practical interventions can make a lasting difference, helping people regain their independence, feel more secure and move forward with confidence.
“Importantly, the café is open to everyone, not just people who use the Foodbank.”
“Our first anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the people and partnerships that make this possible.”