We’re very proud of the volunteer team at Brooks Cafe Patchway who were awarded a Chair’s Community Award on Wednesday 7 March.

The annual awards recognise and celebrate the valuable contribution local unpaid volunteers make to life in South Gloucestershire. These people give up their time freely to help others and bring our communities together, and were rewarded for their efforts at the special ceremony.

Cllr Ian Blair, Chairman of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “Whilst reading through and shortlisting the nominations it was obvious that those put forward for an award are held in high esteem in their local communities.”

The Patchway community cafe has been busier than ever this year and it is only open thanks to the dedication of our 10 volunteers. The volunteer team gives on average 60 hours every week to the cafe, totaling 2386 hours over the last year. Situated in a priority neighbourhood in an area where no other cafes exist, the café offers a sanctuary for local people. Local residents can have an affordable hot home cooked meal.

However it is much more than just a place to eat, friends and families meet for coffee, isolated individuals are welcomed like family, some ladies brought in their crochet and knitting and now a regular craft group has formed through meeting in the café.

The café responds to the needs of the community and offers discounted bread every Friday morning, a table selling second hand clothes, toys and household items, and during school holidays run free events for families. The café prides itself on the strong relationship the staff and volunteers have with customers. Everyone is greeted by name and if a member of the staff and volunteer team is ever off sick, customers ask after them and pass on their well wishes.

Every volunteer is friendly and helpful to customers, consistently going above and beyond to ensure that customers needs and wellbeing is put first. The cafe has also been busier than ever this year which has put additional pressure on the team, but they have coped with it fantastically and we are so grateful to them for all their help and dedication. They truly are the heart of the community cafe.