On 6 September I visited Churchdown Methodist Church Hall at the invitation of Home Instead Gloucester and the Forest of Dean, for their first companionship café for the local community. We were joined by the wonderful Churchdown Male Voice Choir.

I was delighted to be able to support this charity which has the really worthwhile aim of trying to support people living in their own home as long as possible through personalised relationship-led care. As well as being a really enjoyable afternoon for all of us, the recital of the range of songs by the choir was really magnificent.

I think these free cafes are a great idea. They provide somewhere for the local community to socialise and make new friendships that they may not have otherwise made, and are a great way to combat loneliness especially amongst the older community. I would be very happy to visit one again in the future.