Compassionate Café Ivybridge

05/04/2026

02/04/2026

🧡What actually happens at the Compassionate Café? 🧡

We know that coming along to something new - especially something like a “Compassionate Café” - might feel a bit daunting. If you're grieving, caring for someone, living with loss, or simply feeling isolated, walking into a room of people you don’t know can feel like a big step.

So here’s what actually happens…

When you arrive, a volunteer will welcome you with a cuppa and a gentle chat - nothing formal, just a check-in to help you feel at ease. You can stay one-to-one if you prefer, or join the table where a small group often gathers.

Sometimes the conversation is light - about the weather, local news, day-to-day things. Sometimes someone might mention a loved one they’ve lost or share a memory. And sometimes, someone might shed a tear or more. That’s okay too. Those moments are important, and we simply allow the feelings to be there - without judgement, without needing to fix anything.

There’s no expectation to share anything personal. Some people come just to sit quietly in a space where they feel understood. Others come because it’s the only time that week they’ll be around people who truly 'get it'.

There are usually 4 or 5 volunteers and a handful of guests - some weeks it’s 2 or 3, other times closer to 10, and we have had more. It is a mixed group of people. There are always teas, coffees and biscuits. Conversations shift and settle naturally, and the room adapts to what’s needed.

Some people might leave a small donation as they leave, however, there is no expectation for that at all.

☕ The next Compassionate Cafés will take place on Saturday 11th and Saturday 25th of April (always the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month)
🕙 10 a.m. – 12 noon
📍 Chapel Place, Ivybridge (just off Fore Street)

No need to book. Just come as you are.

💬 If you’d like someone to meet you outside so you don’t have to walk in alone, just message us here on Facebook. We’re happy to help.

You’re not alone. And you’re always welcome.🧡

03/12/2025

28/11/2025

We are here at Chapel Place Ivybridge today for the Ivybridge Christmas Festival! Come and enjoy a hot fruit punch or a cuppa and cake, plus lots of lovely fun and games.
We'd love to chat if you're interested in the Compassionate Cafe or becoming a volunteer.

Update: unfortunately this didnt post due to signal issues, so it is almost over now! Lovely to see everyone who popped into Chapel Place! Especially those who haven't been in before. Such a beautiful community building for the people of Ivybridge, and a lovely evening for all involved.

25/11/2025

The Plymouth City Council Bereavement Service will be at Crownhill Library tomorrow to offer support and answer your questions about the services they provide.

Speak with the team about The Park Crematorium, the cemeteries, the services they provide to support you through bereavement and memorial options to help you remember a loved one in a meaningful way.

📌 Crownhill Library
🗓 Wednesday 26 November
🕑 12pm to 2pm
✅ No appointment needed, just drop in.

Whether you're seeking guidance, exploring memorial choices or simply want to talk, the Bereavement Service team is here to help.

Plymouth Crematoria Plymouth City Council

06/11/2025

Sometimes missing them happens so quietly that no one else sees it...

At the Compassionate Café, you don’t have to explain or fill the silence. We’re just a small group of people - Compassionate Friends and guests - who meet together over tea or coffee, usually chatting in smaller groups of 2 or 3 around a bigger table together. Always supported by our volunteers.

Some of us talk, some listen... some do both. Some laugh, some cry... some do both. Some simply choose to sit quietly in this safe space. Whatever feels most comfortable for you that day.

You’ll be quietly noticed here... and sometimes that helps. ☕🧡💙

Join us at the Ivybridge Compassionate Cafe:

💙 Every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month (next is the 8th November).

💙 Drop in any time between 10am until 12 noon.

💙 At Chapel Place Ivybridge , just off Fore Street

💙 There is no charge - donations are welcomed towards tea, coffee & biscuits

🧡 Compassionate Cafes are a St Luke's Hospice Plymouth initiative