Cambridge United Foundation hosted the launch event for their new Bright Horizons Café on Wednesday, joined by partners and special guests...
A partnership between Cambridge United Foundation and Cambridge Charity Fund Raisers (CCFR) has seen the launch of the new community programme - the Bright Horizons Café, creating a safe space for people to meet over free tea, coffee, and snacks, to talk and support one another's mental health.
Sponsors of the event - Tesco, TA Construction Ltd, DC Carpets, Baxter Storey, Rocket Branding, and Camclad were all in attendance, as well as special guests Luke Chadwick and John Taylor, and a number of local and national TV networks who captured the event.
Chair of the Foundation, Godric Smith CBE opened the café with an introductory speech, followed by Cambridge United Grounds Manager Ian Darler, and Simon Wall - the Community Engagement Manager for the Foundation, who will be running the café.
Former United player, coach, and manager, John Taylor has experienced his own mental health battle, and now strives to support others wherever he can.
“From my own experience of life, having been on that rollercoaster journey, if you are suffering any type of mental health, the best thing to do is to talk about it," he said.
“It’s about having a safe space where you can talk to people with like-minded souls, who have had a similar experience to what you are going through.”
Fellow Cambridge United legend Luke Chadwick, who has publicly spoken on his mental health struggles, most notably during his spell at Manchester United, said, “When you talk about your problems and when you understand yourself, it makes things so much easier.”
He continued, “Nowadays people are so much more open to talking about their problems and their issues, and that’s why an initiative like this that Ian and the foundation have put together, has made such a difference in the local community.”
Present on the day were Sky Sports, the EFL, and ITV Anglia. Thank you to each of the networks for coming along and documenting the amazing initiative. Keep an eye out to see their features on the Bright Horizons Café.
Following the launching segment of the event, the café transitioned into the A2B Taxicabs Suite, where it will take place in its regular format. This opened a space for participants and guests of the launch event, to sit and freely talk with one another, enjoying free refreshments in the meantime.
The Bright Horizons Café runs on the second Wednesday of each month between 2-4pm. The next session will be held on 12 March - all are welcome to join!
A gallery of the best images from the launch event can be seen below:
