We are a volunteer run and led Community Games Cafe and Games Club based in Romford, Essex.
Founded in 2017, we have been working with communities across Havering, East London and Essex to improve wellbeing, confidence and social networks for seven years. Our activities are intergenerational, bringing people of all ages and abilities together to explore and connect through play.
We also support learning through our activities. This includes:
- working with the Greater London Authority and the Multiply programme to support numeracy skills
- running storytelling and gamification sessions with Local Authorities and community groups to explore project management, resource management, budgeting and risk
- building confidence and transferable skills with our amazing volunteers, supporting them to complete accredited training in first aid, food safety and hygiene, customer service and safeguarding
- creating and delivering bespoke sessions for local groups – including play and learn sessions for ages 6-9, social sessions for the Women’s Institute, and play and creativity sessions at the Creative Cove in Brentwood.
Our business co-location model allows us to partner with other local SME’s within our community, supporting them to grow at the same time as we do.
We raise money to support our activities through a small table charge for organised play sessions (with a hardship fund provided for those who would otherwise not be able to afford to join in), through running commissioned activity, and through selling tabletop games and equipment. We also sometimes apply for grant funding which means we can run specific activities that people have told us they would like us to offer.
As a Community Interest Company, all our profits go back into the business – any funds we raise or money we make allow us to provide more services to more people.
Take a look at our what’s on page to explore our current activities, and we hope to welcome you soon!