How it all started

 

Kirstie O’Connor-Farrant of Streetz Ahead and her friend Meg created the Shire Café and Hub after the covid pandemic to support a network environment for the local community in Gloucester.  There were many reports and newspaper articles about young people being left behind in education and pensioners who did not leave their houses. 

 

The Initial objective was to focus on and address the issues of isolation and loneliness.  Official statistics at the time also showed mental health becoming a growing a problem over that period.  Recognising that more needed to be done it was decided to open café that would look different to others with the aim to bring something different to the community.  An avenue to bring everyone together and not break the connection between young and old. 

The Café was designed to look a little retro giving it a unique look. Ther are many symbols representing and pointing to the positive aspects of life.  An example being a wall ladder torepresent the ladder that runs through life, pointing to how we get to our destination.  Also a mirror, which represent how you see yourself, to build confidence and self esteem.

The timeline of Gloucester in the café brings is there to bring things back to basic values along with  local emblems with references to companies and families showing how the community works together

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The way forward

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More than a coffee shop . . . .

 

The Shire Café and Hub will continue in the tradition of focusing on the community to serve as a hub and facilitate a support network for those who need help and advice.   We aim to restore it to a place for those in the community who need a place to  come and chill, not just refreshing their bodies but their minds too.  A place where people can come and get support and advice fin a welcome and accepting environment, not just in the centre of the city but at the heart of the community, for the community.