New Pioneers Community Café
The New Pioneers Community Café was launched as a not-for-profit project to support social inclusion, reduce loneliness, and offer valuable community experiences through food, connection, and kindness. Based at Spotland Community Centre in Rochdale, the café’s aim is to create a warm, welcoming space for all—where visitors can enjoy a good meal, friendly atmosphere, and a sense of belonging. The café also aims to provide real-life opportunities for volunteers to gain practical experience in cooking, barista service, and customer care. It serves as a stepping stone for those looking to grow their skills, gain confidence, and engage more fully with community life. Another key aim is to reduce food poverty and support those facing social isolation. Through its innovative Pay It Forward VIP Card Scheme, the café enables people to contribute towards meals for others in need—offering kindness in a dignified, simple, and community-focused way. The café also hosts special themed events like monthly Afternoon Teas, helping foster cross-cultural connection and celebration.
The New Pioneers Community Café runs every Friday from 9:00am to 2:30pm, and is fully staffed by a team of volunteers and one part-time staff member. Together, they prepare and serve a wide selection of fresh food, from hot meals and soups to homemade cakes and barista-style drinks using coffee from local supplier Darkwoods Coffee. The team includes people from a wide range of backgrounds, including Egypt, Libya, Algeria,
Pakistan, and other countries. Volunteers receive training in food hygiene, kitchen skills, customer service, and front-of-house roles. This hands-on experience helps boost their confidence, English language, and career prospects in hospitality or customer-facing sectors. One of the most impactful aspects of the café is its VIP Card Scheme. For a donation of just £5, customers can purchase a card that covers the cost of a meal and drink for two people. The cards are then passed on to residents who may be struggling financially, feeling isolated, or simply in need of a reason to get out of the house and connect with others. Over 100 VIP Cards have been sold, meaning 200 people have already benefitted from the scheme. The café also provides catering services for local meetings and community groups, extending its role beyond the café walls and increasing its sustainability. Special events like the International Women’s Day Afternoon Tea have created safe spaces for women to come together, share their stories, and build supportive networks. At that event, speakers such as Councillor Amber Nisa and local women’s wellbeing groups led conversations on surviving domestic abuse, resilience, and the importance of community.
The New Pioneers Community Café has quickly become a trusted and loved space within the local area. Regulars return each Friday not only for the food but also for the sense of connection and routine it provides. It’s become a community anchor for those who may otherwise feel isolated or unsupported. Volunteers have reported increased self- esteem, stronger social skills, and a greater sense of purpose. Some have gone on to pursue training or work in hospitality and community services. Feedback from customers consistently highlights the café’s welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, and the emotional boost that comes from being part of a positive community space. The VIP Card Scheme has helped shift perceptions around support and need—making it easier for people to
accept help in a kind, anonymous, and inclusive way. Visitors describe feeling “seen,” “valued,” and “part of something” when they attend the café, and the impact on mental wellbeing has been especially strong. The project’s consistent success has attracted new partnerships, helped secure
funding, and grown its reputation across Rochdale. The café has proven how a small, regular act of community care—sharing food—can build bridges, empower people, and create lasting change.
