Friendship cafés helping older people feel connected across Oxfordshire

From cuddling lambs at Roves Farm to sharing stories over tea in Faringdon, two friendship cafés are tackling loneliness and bringing older people together through companionship, community and care.

A cup of tea, a slice of cake and a friendly conversation can make all the difference – and across Oxfordshire, two community cafés are helping older people build friendships, boost wellbeing and combat loneliness.

This summer marks the fourth anniversary of the Roves Farm Seniors Friendship Café, a monthly gathering created through a partnership between Roves Farm and Home Instead Charities, led by volunteers from Home Instead Swindon & Vale of White Horse.

Held in the peaceful surroundings of the working farm, the café offers older adults the chance to enjoy refreshments, spend time with friendly farm animals and, perhaps most importantly, connect with others in a relaxed and welcoming setting. For many regular visitors, it has become a much-anticipated monthly highlight.

Keeley Lally of Roves Farm said: “We’re very happy to be able to provide a unique and engaging experience for everyone involved with the Seniors Friendship Café. Part of our ethos has always been to offer opportunities for people of all ages to experience a working farm, meet our friendly animals and enjoy the countryside. It’s a pleasure to be part of this wonderful initiative.”

As well as offering companionship, spending time with animals has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and encourage social interaction, benefits that visitors experience first-hand during each session.

Elsewhere in the county, the Faringdon Friendship & Memories Café continues to provide a welcoming, dementia-friendly space for older people, their families and carers.

Supported for a second year by Faringdon & District Rotary Club, the café benefits from guidance provided by Dementia Oxfordshire adviser Maria Kempson, visits from therapy dogs Rosie and Tango, and a dedicated team of volunteers creating a safe and supportive environment.

Rotary Club President Mohinder Kainth said: “The Memory Café is more than just a place, it’s a lifeline for many in our community. It offers friendship, understanding and a safe space where people feel truly seen and supported.”

For Cat Attewell, Community Engagement Officer for Home Instead Swindon & Vale of White Horse and a Home Instead Charities volunteer, the impact of both cafés is evident.

She said: “These cafés are more than events for local people, they are lifelines. We see first-hand the difference that companionship, community and meaningful activity make to the wellbeing of older adults.”

The Faringdon Friendship & Memories Café is currently looking for volunteers to help serve refreshments and support guests.

To find out more or get involved, email cat.attewell@homeinstead.co.uk or call 01793 232585.

Share