How Cream Teas and scones created social connections

"People are lonely, especially during difficult times. What they've done here is create a space where people can meet, talk, and support each other, and it's worked very well," says Kathleen, highlighting the event's crucial social role. Her husband James adds that transportation can be a significant barrier for many, making these gatherings particularly important for those who cannot drive.

Launched two years ago, the weekly tea and scones gathering was a response to community needs in a particularly rural area of the Yorkshire West Methodist District. What began as a monthly event in a small shop space has evolved into a vital weekly social hub. Local businesses support the initiative by providing food and resources.

"After COVID, we had people who visited regularly before the pandemic but stopped coming out of their houses," explains Jeanette, the organiser with the Denby Dale Centre and Denby Dale Methodist Church. "That’s when we decided to start Cream Teas afternoons, we picked people up and brought them in which helped them regain confidence and reconnect."

The Centre’s journey began modestly – with just £10 in the bank and a determination to create meaningful change. Today, they have built a vibrant, supportive community that continues to evolve and respond to local needs.

For Barney, a widower, the event has been a beacon of hope since losing his wife two years ago. "We moved into these premises – the Denby Dale Centre’s room at Springfield Mill – a few weeks ago," he explains, "and the first day 23 people joined!" His enthusiasm is palpable, noting that on typical weeks, up to 21 people gather to share tea, scones and conversation.

Transportation emerged as a critical challenge, which the Denby Dale Centre ingeniously addressed by acquiring three accessible minibuses. This simple intervention transformed lives, enabling previously housebound individuals to participate in community activities.

One particularly poignant example involved an elderly woman with severe osteoporosis who had been largely confined to her home. Through the community's efforts, she began attending Cream Teas and was able to shop independently, experiencing newfound freedom and social connection.

The secret to their success lies in grassroots participation and genuine community spirit.

The gathering's success lies in its simplicity and warmth. Whether participants are bereaved, lonely, or simply seeking connection, Cream Teas offers a welcoming space. For many attendees, the ability to leave home, share stories, and feel part of a community makes an immeasurable difference, especially for older residents who might otherwise feel isolated.

Cream Teas demonstrates that with creativity, compassion, and collective effort, communities can transform social challenges into opportunities for connection and mutual support.