BRIGG COMMUNITY CAFE TO HOST EASTER EVENT WITH QUIZ AND BUFFET

FROM KIRSTY WESTFIELD, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

Since Brigg Community Café was set up by volunteers in September 2014 at Brigg Youth Centre it has continued to make a positive impact within the local community – going from strength to strength - over three years on.
A group of local volunteers set up the café and their dedication has ensured it is a success.
The Community Café runs every Tuesday from 10am to 12pm at Brigg Youth Centre. It offers a comprehensive range of activities.
They play bingo and chess, colour therapy activities, quizzes, craft workshops and card making – plus much more.
Sports activities include indoor bowls, table tennis and chair-based exercises – to name a few.
There is also the opportunity to use the four computers in the Youth Centre, with support provided by the children’s centre staff.
On top of all that, they also offer laughter therapy, relaxation classes and cooking workshops.
The group at the Community Café have enriched the lives of others, supporting individuals by making new friends, fighting long-term illnesses and addictions, securing new homes, boosting self-esteem and confidence. And also encouraging individuals to gain new skills, accessing training courses and developing new hobbies and interests.
The café has supported people that are more vulnerable by providing a healthy homemade snack. They have also signposted people to health trainers and free health checks. Advice on keeping safe from LIVES First Responders and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service have been provided.
Over the years numerous events have taken place at the café such as ‘A trip down memory lane’ where North Lincolnshire Museum held reminiscence sessions including war memories, the British monarchy and afternoon tea.
Brigg Community Café continually raises outstanding funds to improve outcomes for individuals and the community. An amazing £1,000 was raised for MacMillan by holding a community fun day. Other charities the café has supported, include Jen’s Special Place, Carers' Support and Pancreatic Cancer.
Volunteers and members of the café have been working together to provide the neonatal united at Scunthorpe Hospital with hundreds of knitted items for premature babies.
The next event at the café is an Easter celebration on Tuesday 27 March from 10am to 12pm. There will be a buffet, raffle, Easter themed quiz, and a cup cake decorating competition.
Residents from a local care home attend the Community Café every week. 
One person, said: I look forward to my Tuesdays now. It has been a lifesaver for me.”
Cllr Carl Sherwood (Brigg & Wolds), Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, said: The volunteers at Brigg Community Café are passionate advocates for people within their local community. They have made a real difference for many people. The café provides a base for residents in need of support, company or a place to socialise.
“All the volunteers and members should be very proud of all they have achieved. It is a great asset for Brigg.”