The weekly Community Café and Bereavement Support Group changing lives in Newark

Founded by resident Maxine Storer, after losing her son, the group began as a small circle of people supporting one another through grief. As word spread, it became a place where anyone experiencing bereavement could talk openly, share memories, laugh, cry, and feel understood.

For some, it has been life‑changing. One member spoke about her father’s suicide for the first time in her life, finding the relief and support she’d been unable to reach alone. Others, who once felt isolated at home, now look forward to weekly conversations, new friendships, and reassurance.

The group meets every Thursday from 5:30pm to 7pm, offering a warm, confidential and uplifting space. The group also arranges a variety of social gatherings and events to get involved in.

Maxine and her sister also created the Community Café at Cleveland Square, run fully by volunteers, welcoming anyone who walks through the door, and using every penny raised to fund private counselling sessions for members of the Bereavement Group.

It has become a valued community hub. Older residents now come every week for breakfast, company, and conversation, while many enjoy the café’s affordable meals, takeaways, and the pay‑it‑forward scheme. The café also hosts a Uniform Club, offering free or donation‑based school uniforms to families who need a helping hand in the Newark area.

The Café is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am to 3pm.

On Saturday 13 June, the group is organising a free Community Fun Day from 11am to 3pm, with stalls, fun activities, a BBQ, and a bouncy castle.

They are currently looking for volunteers for the Café, especially people confident with basic cooking, and extra help for the fun day itself.

Donations are also warmly welcomed. Anyone wanting to volunteer, contribute, or join the bereavement group or Community Café can simply pop into the Cleveland Square for a chat or to get involved.

Across Newark and Sherwood, more than 30 community centres are open and active, offering a wide range of events, activities and community groups for residents. Residents are encouraged to drop in, see what’s on, and make full use of the facilities available. Newark and Sherwood District Council provides community spaces free of charge to groups like the Community Café, Bereavement Group and many more.

Councillor Lee Brazier, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Community centres are at the heart of our neighbourhoods, and we’re proud to support the groups and services that rely on them. These spaces play a vital role in strengthening our communities and helping people stay connected.”

Find out more about booking Community Centres by giving Newark and Sherwood District Council a call, popping in to a Community Centre, or visiting the webpage here: https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/communitycentres/