Rural Kent Coffee and Information Project

Diagnosed with a brain tumour, Jon has had complex surgery followed by a lengthy programme of treatment, leaving him unable to drive. Living in a rural area means he has had to adjust and adapt to deal with the frustrations of limited public transport and the knock-on effect on his social life and well-being.

Trips to the local towns, for GP and hospital visits have to be carefully timed to enable him to use the local buses and trains. This often leaves him with long walks and waiting times. The benefit system has enabled him to buy a car that is suitable for his needs and his partner now drives him to and from appointments. However, Jon spends a lot of time during the day, without the means to get around.

The village has few amenities or places for people to meet and chat; no shops or post-office but it does have an excellent local pub run by community-spirited owners, who go the extra mile to ensure that residents have lots of opportunities to meet others and to feel included. It was the owner of the pub who helped the Coffee Project to become established in the village, who helped promote it to those who needed it most and who encouraged even those who weren’t feeling lonely or isolated but who she knew would make our coffee mornings fun, sociable occasions, with lots of interest to talk about.

Jon says “Local friends and neighbours have rallied round and helped out when they can. Walking the dog, I’ve got to know others in the village but the pop-up café has given me the opportunity to get to know the husbands and wives of the dog-walkers and a chance to meet others and catch up on the news and what’s going on in the area. It provides another focus and an opportunity to get out for a while.”

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Case Study:Jon