Everyone is welcome at the Compassionate Café in Maidstone

Our Compassionate Café, organised by our Compassionate Neighbours team, provides a warm welcoming space for members of the Maidstone community to come together when they have been affected by any type of loss or loneliness.  The events are all about bringing people together to meet others, have a safe space to talk and make new friends.

This has been running for over a year now, with a recent change in venue.  We now meet on the third Thursday of each month at Leah’s Bistro, High Street, Maidstone from 10:30am – 12pm.

Hosted by our trained Compassionate Neighbours who make each event a comfortable place to meet for a friendly chat with others.

Marie Smith, Compassionate Communities Lead at the Hospice said: “The listening ear of a stranger can really help when times are tough and when people come together it helps us feel connected, especially when we are facing the loss of a loved one or the challenges which come with caring for someone with a life limiting condition.

“At our first event, we welcomed members of the community who together were able to connect, chat, laugh and make new friends whilst sharing experiences and feeling part of something, which for many of them wouldn’t be a daily occurrence.

“Research tells us what a positive impact this type of event can have on someone’s health and wellbeing. 

“There is no need to book - it will be lovely to meet you.”

Some of the attendees from the first event have shared their experiences below: