'Volunteering is an important part of my week'

Host Caroline Craddock said she was searching for a purpose when she discovered Reaching CIC's brew crews and clubs

The host of a growing chain of coffee crews and clubs, set up to tackle loneliness, has made significant career decisions to keep volunteering.

Caroline Craddock has sponsored and run Biddulph's brew club on behalf of Reaching CIC since being made redundant in October 2024.

Rather than seek full-time employment, she established her own recruitment business which has enabled her to make time for her group every Wednesday.

"Reaching CIC was asking for volunteers. I love the town, I love the community and I wanted to give something back. I wanted a purpose as well," she beamed.

"It's great to listen, great to give advice to people and just form those friendships," she added.

Reaching CIC have 46 brew crews across Staffordshire and Cheshire - designated cafes and warm spaces that actively encourage people to chat and make friends.

Visitors can request an orange heart pin online or at some of the cafes, which make brew crew members easily identifiable to staff.

Volunteer hosts like Ms Craddock promote the event to 'brew club' status, and organise activities, crafts and games for even more social interaction.

"It's just a really lovely environment and we have a lot of laughs," she said of her group on Biddulph's High Street.

"I can't see me not doing this. It's a really important part of my working week."

She stressed that they have an open door policy, adding: "You can just come in and have a brew but I do think if you are new to the area, combatting loneliness or you've recently been bereaved, it's just a really lovely environment."

Lucy Collier, a 35-year-old mother of one, was experiencing mental health issues when she moved to the Staffordshire town from the south of England.

"I was really isolated. I didn't know anyone," she remembered, "I was just looking for some more support out there."

She has attended the Wednesday morning club regularly and described it as a "beautiful, warming and helpful" group where she has made "lifelong friends".

"I'm one of the youngest but they've taken me under their wing," she beamed, "They make feel like a great person."

Ms Collier encouraged other young people to go to their local Reaching Brew Club

Reaching CIC have ambitions to add Alsager and Congleton to their list of Brew Clubs in Biddulph, Fenton and Leek.

Another is scheduled to open at Fresco Café and Eatery in Newcastle-under-Lyme on Thursday.

Michelle Tyler, from Reaching CIC, asked anyone interested in volunteering to host a brew club to get in touch.