By Janine Ford, Director

How is Educafe radically shaping system change and making West Berkshire a better place for underserved groups such as global majority communities, families, and older people?  

Since its launch in 2021, Educafe has built a thriving, inclusive community. In the early days, I volunteered—teaching chair yoga, serving refreshments, and welcoming visitors. My involvement grew, leading to funding applications, wellbeing programs, and communications support. The experience felt natural, and by January 2023, I became a Director, excited by the potential for lasting change.  

Educafe was unique—open, welcoming, and free from rigid structures. The weekly gatherings fostered smiles, conversations, and a renewed sense of community, especially after the isolation of COVID-19. We quickly created a buzz and a genuine sense of belonging. Now, four years later, the impact is tangible: friendships have flourished, newcomers have found jobs, and initiatives like Parents Village have secured funding. We’ve also built partnerships with Newbury College, Mary Hare, and many other local organisations (see Friends of Educafe).  

As our work expands, I see how Educafe’s approach influences broader systems:  local government, health services, non-profits, businesses, philanthropists, and media notice what we’re acheiving and want to join our movement towards a society that really cares. Organisations are eager to understand our model and its long-term impact. Here’s how Educafe is driving systemic and social change:  

Education: a kinder way to learn

We provide holistic language support, peer-to-peer learning, and volunteer-led services, ensuring knowledge exchange is direct, human, and person-centered.  

Encouraging collaboration: non-siloed networking

We connect partners and promote person-centered collaboration, especially in areas like resettlement, mental health, and early years. Local services engage directly with the people they serve in a way that works best for them.  

Raising awareness & advocacy: we share our insight of lived experiences 

By bringing people together, we elevate the voices of marginalised groups. Issues such as the lack of baby-weighing clinics, limited dental care, and nursery shortages impact families and mental health. Similarly, inadequate language and resettlement support stifles employment opportunities. Educafe shares these insights with local partners to inform service planning.  

Building cultural competence: sensitivity, compassion and open-mindedness 

We create welcoming spaces where people meet, build trust, and learn from each other. Volunteer-led services foster genuine interaction, enabling us to understand people’s needs and offer meaningful support. Something as simple as tea, cake, and conversation strengthens connections and drives change. This is cultural competence—meeting people where they are rather than forcing them into rigid systems.  

The cost of change 

Over four years, our impact has grown organically. Serving 6,000 residents annually costs around £200k, funded through grants, donations, and commissioned projects. Volunteer contributions and in-kind donations add approximately £300k in value.  

We’ve fought hard to achieve this, but it’s worth it. We’ve saved lives, reduced loneliness, helped people find jobs, and created a resilient, connected community.  

Why connection matters 

We all need community—whether a new parent, an older person, recently widowed, divorced, or new to the area. Research confirms that our relationships and social connections lead to happier, healthier, and longer lives.  

To truly thrive as a society, we must have human connection. This means stepping outside, engaging with others, and having a variety of social interactions. We can’t shut ourselves away and expect to be part of a community. Instead, we must open our doors, arms, and minds—sharing time, stories, and experiences. Educafe provides a way to do just that.  

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