A place of belonging, by the community, for the community.
Our Volunteer Coordinator, Natalia, recently visited Connect Café in Menzieshill, Dundee, to speak to the team there and shine a light on the incredible work of one volunteer in particular: David.
Natalia writes about her visit to the café, which is run in partnership with Menzieshill Parish Church and CrossReach…
“I am so glad I found this place; my life is totally changed for the greater good”
– David
The Connect Café is a partnership between Bethany Christian Trust, Menzieshill Parish Church, and CrossReach. At the café, you can enjoy a free meal (although donations are welcome) and a welcoming space run by volunteers from the community, for the community.
True to its name, the café is a hub for community connections:
- It is a safe and welcoming space to chat, meet new and old friends, and feel supported.
- Community members can get referrals and signposting to services and charities, when needed.
- NHS nurses are at hand to support health-related questions.
- People can receive spiritual encouragement and support, which helps them feel more connected with God.
The café also provides supportive volunteering opportunities for people in recovery from a variety of life experiences. Despite how difficult their journeys have been, they have found in the Connect Café a community where they feel belonging and encouragement; the café has given them the opportunity to get to know more people in the community and give back through their volunteering. Leeanne, one of the volunteers, described the café as ‘life changing.’
During my visit, I had the privilege to spend some time with David, who has been part of the café for the last several months.
When David is not at the café, you might find him at the gym, the pool, or helping organise community events in Dundee. The recovery support from Bethany and the Menzieshill Parish Church that he has received has been invaluable to him. He says of his involvement at the café, “I love my volunteering; I love meeting new people, and I want to give back to the community.”
“I love my volunteering; I love meeting new people, and I want to give back to the community.”
– David
David shared that the café feels like a close family, that even in the days when he does not feel very well, it is a huge encouragement for him to walk through the café doors – and he is not alone in receiving welcome and encouragement: “When you walk through the door, is like a weight comes off your shoulders and everyone is made to feel welcome.”
Iain Wilson, a Senior Community Development Worker, shared,
“It’s been great to see David go from visiting the cafe to being a valued member of the supported volunteer team and attending the recovery activities group, he has also recently completed his level 2 Food safety and hygiene course. Great job David!”