I love the sense of community, being part of the team, and making a difference in people’s lives, some of whom are clearly quite vulnerable.
Volunteer
The Kitchen Table is our community café at 19 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells. It is a café for everyone but with a special focus on providing a supportive environment for those living with poor mental health and those who support them. It is not just about coffee and cake – it is about community, connecting and chatting.
We believe that talking with someone is a great way to improve our mental health, so we have trained staff available to chat and, if necessary, point towards other resources that might help. But if customers prefer to sit quietly to enjoy their cuppa, that is fine too!
We also offer takeaway food and drinks, so why not drop by on your way to work, in your breaks or if you are simply in a hurry!
If you are in Tunbridge Wells town centre – pop in to see us!
The Kitchen Table is a long-standing project of Crossways Community – early in 2024 we celebrated its 5th birthday! When it opened in 2019, it was reported that, “the café is open to everyone but will be a versatile modern space designed to reach those in the community who are experiencing concerns around their mental wellbeing and need a listening ear.”
This has continued to be the mission of the café and since that date it has seen new friendships being made, been the venue for various groups to meet, provided a safe space for many around the town as well as our own residents, both as customers and volunteers, and provided thousands of cups of tea and coffee, cakes, sandwiches and other goodies!
The Kitchen Table is also part of the “Chatty Café Scheme” where volunteers host a table encouraging interactive conversations, with the aim of reducing loneliness and/or social isolation. Pop into the café to find out when this is on.
The Kitchen Table is managed by Rosie with support from her deputy Lorraine, both of whom have mental health training.
The majority of the remaining staff are volunteers who work on set days each week.
We also provide work experience for Duke of Edinburgh students, sixth formers, foreign students and others.
To apply to volunteer please click below or call in at the café for more information.
