Boscombe cafe praised for its work with residents in need

Joy Café in Chruchill Gardens, Boscombe, recently opened up its new building to serve fresh food and coffees six days a week. 

The café is part of BCP Council’s ASPIRE programme, which aims to help people boost their self-esteem and focus on their wellbeing by supporting them towards employability and healthier, more active lifestyles. 

The cafe has been described as a "really lovely place"

Read more: Opening date revealed for community building in Churchill Gardens

Sammy Davies, assistant manager at Joy Café, said: “Our aim is to build a community and to get to know people whilst we are here.  

“Being in the centre of Churchill Gardens means lots of types of people can come. The people that couldn’t come due to being on the edge of the square because of their mental health are now coming here.  

The cafe is even a place for dogs to socialise

“There has been a precious moment where so many people are now coming in.” 

Sammy said the impact mental health issues can have on people is the feeling of loneliness. But, she added, Joy Café can “engage” and “benefit” with people that struggle. 

Sammy said: “We all struggle and we have days where we struggle, but talking about it helps and the people around you are beautiful and incredible. 

“Asking somebody if they’re ok can be the difference between a good day and a bad day. 

“A lot of the issues around here stem from mental health issues and so I think this café is a lifeline for people.” 

Inside Joy Cafe in Boscombe

Joy Café offers food and drink, as well as free exercise classes, including yoga and boxercise. 

Fariba Smith, who visits from Wimborne, said: “Joy Café has been a really lovely place to come. There is a proper community; everyone looks after you and is so friendly.  

“If you need help, this is definitely the place to come. ‘Joy’ lives up to its name.” 

Tracy Fryer, who visits the café every day, said: “I can meet up with my friends and have a good gossip. My dogs can come here and socialise too. 

“All the staff know me; they know my order even!” 

Tracy’s friend Megan Miles added: “It’s a family-friendly place and is somewhere I can come to socialise. 

“Boscombe’s not always the nicest of places, but Joy Café brightens the place up. The free exercise classes are good for people on a budget as well.”