Leicester Cathedral’s newly launched Welcome Café has joined the national Warm Welcome Campaign, becoming the 6,000th space opening its doors to provide a safe, warm, and friendly space for those in need of connection.
The initiative was inspired by a desire to support individuals who may feel isolated, particularly older residents and those facing financial challenges. With the colder months upon us, the Cathedral’s Heritage & Learning Centre offers a perfect setting for warmth and community.
‘We know we are a welcoming place, but for some, a friendly face, a hot drink, and a chat can be a lifeline in a lonely week,’ said Elaine Smith, who along with Marian Kandi lead the volunteer team as two of the Cathedral’s licensed lay ministers.
The Welcome Café offers hospitality, conversation, activities, and even skill-sharing opportunities like knitting and jigsaw puzzles. There are no strings attached – guests can drop in anytime between 10.30am and 12.00pm on Fridays (excluding Bank Holidays). Donations are welcome but not required.
Since opening on 5 December, the Café has seen attendance ranging from 10 to 30 people weekly, attracting a diverse mix of visitors from Leicester and beyond. Attendees include university students, members of the Cathedral community, and even visitors from neighbouring counties. The Café has also welcomed members of the local Sikh community and individuals connected to charities such as Age Concern.
One guest summed up the impact: ‘I come for the communication, for someone to talk to – it makes my day.’
As the 6,000th Warm Welcome Space signed up to the Warm Welcome Campaign in Britain, Leicester Cathedral is proud to contribute to a growing movement that fosters connection and combats loneliness.
The Very Revd Karen Rooms, Dean of Leicester, said,
‘We are delighted to be part of the Warm Welcome Campaign. Our hope is that the Welcome Café will be a place where everyone feels valued and connected, especially during these colder months when isolation can be hardest. This is one of many ways we are striving to be a beating heart for our city and county making a difference for all in our community – one conversation at a time.’
David Barclay, Director for the Warm Welcome Campaign, said,
‘Warm Welcome Week is a time to celebrate the outstanding support Warm Welcome Spaces offer to communities every day. We’re humbled by the outpouring of support from local communities and the huge number of spaces registering with us over the cold and dark days of winter.
‘We are so thrilled to welcome and celebrate Leicester Cathedral’s Welcome Café as the 6,000th Warm Welcome Space. Spaces like the Welcome Café are a lifeline to local people; they are powered by human warmth, kindness and compassion. A friendly chat over a warm cuppa can make a huge difference to anyone feeling cold or lonely.
‘Reaching over 6,000 Warm Welcome Spaces means we’re getting closer to our bold ambition to achieve a Warm Welcome for All. Congratulations to Leicester Cathedral’s Welcome Café, we are so proud to welcome you.’
The Rt Revd Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester, said,
‘I am delighted that Leicester Cathedral has become the 6,000th Warm Welcome Space in the UK. In a time when so many people are struggling with poverty and loneliness, offering a warm welcome makes visible the love of Christ for those who feel forgotten or alone. The Church is called to be present with, and offer hope and comfort to, those who are suffering – whether in mind, body or spirit. I am deeply encouraged that thousands of churches across the country are fulfilling that calling by becoming Warm Welcome Spaces.’
