Educafe is a Community Interest Company committed to reducing isolation, increasing social connection and supporting integration through education, community participation and volunteering.

During the year ended 31 January 2026, Educafe supported people from diverse backgrounds, including migrants, refugees, international residents, families and other local community members. Our work combined learning, relationship-building and practical community engagement to help people build confidence, make connections and participate more fully in local life.

Educafe's Education Hub provided accessible English-language and skills provision for adults who needed support to communicate confidently, access services, pursue employment or further learning, and become more involved in their communities.

Provision during the reporting period included classroom-based and online ESOL, conversation and language practice, employment-focused learning and targeted support for particular communities. Learners were also encouraged to take part in Educafe's wider community activities, including Chatty Corner, volunteering, events and informal opportunities to practise English in real-life settings.

This integrated approach meant that learning was not limited to the classroom. Learners could build confidence, develop friendships and support networks, gain practical knowledge of local services and progress towards volunteering, further learning or employment. Educafe also provided signposting and individual support where appropriate.

The community benefit of this work was reflected in sustained learner engagement, improved confidence and increased independence in everyday communication. For many participants, developing English skills was a first step towards wider social participation and a stronger sense of belonging.

Educafe continued to run its weekly community event in Newbury, providing a warm, welcoming and inclusive space where people could meet others, practise English informally, build friendships, access support and take part in community activities.

Regular activities during the year included Chatty Corner conversation practice, Parents' Village, Knit & Natter, seated wellbeing activities, community celebrations, guest speakers and volunteer-led social activities. The weekly event also provided opportunities for partner organisations and local services to meet residents in an accessible and informal setting.

Average attendance was approximately 100-150 visitors per week. Participants represented a wide range of nationalities and backgrounds, creating opportunities for cross-cultural friendship, mutual support and informal community learning.

The principal community benefits were reduced loneliness and isolation, increased confidence, stronger friendships and support networks, and opportunities for people to progress from being participants to volunteers and community contributors.

During the reporting period Educafe began delivery of its National Lottery Community Fund-supported Togetherness Project. The project was designed to capture, evidence and share learning developed through Educafe's community-led practice in West Berkshire, while strengthening the organisation's long-term ability to understand and communicate its social impact.

Work during the year included developing publicly accessible resources, gathering learning from volunteers and participants, strengthening impact-measurement processes, and sharing Educafe's experience with partners and community organisations. The project also supported the development of case studies, practical guidance and other materials intended to help organisations understand approaches that can reduce isolation, strengthen belonging and increase community participation.

A key theme emerging from this work was the importance of trusted relationships, consistent local presence, volunteer development and welcoming community spaces. These principles continued to inform Educafe's programmes and partnership work throughout the year.

Volunteers remained central to Educafe's delivery. They supported the weekly community event, Chatty Corner, Parents' Village, Knit & Natter, wellbeing activities, education and practical community support.

Volunteers offered hospitality, conversation, language practice, practical help and encouragement. Many took on additional responsibility, supported new participants and helped maintain continuity across Educafe's activities. Volunteering also provided a pathway for some participants to build confidence, develop skills and move towards wider community involvement or paid work.

Educafe continued to invest in volunteer support, safeguarding and opportunities for volunteers to contribute ideas and feedback. Their involvement strengthened the organisation's ability to remain welcoming, responsive and rooted in the community it serves.

Reduced isolation: Participants had regular opportunities to meet others, form friendships and feel less alone.

Increased confidence: Learners and community participants developed greater confidence in communication, everyday life and community participation.

Stronger community connections: Educafe created opportunities for relationships to develop across cultures, age groups and backgrounds.

Progression and participation: People progressed into volunteering, further learning, employment-related activity and wider community involvement.

Improved access to support: Participants benefited from practical signposting, partner engagement and informal access to local services and information.

Stakeholder engagement was embedded in Educafe's community-led approach. Feedback and ideas were gathered through face-to-face conversations at the weekly event, programme activities, volunteer meetings, partner visits, Friends of Educafe membership, newsletters, WhatsApp groups, social media and regular reporting and discussion with funders and partners.

The weekly community event was particularly important as a space for informal consultation. Participants, volunteers and partners could raise needs, suggest activities and contribute directly to the development of services. This feedback informed day-to-day delivery as well as longer-term organisational planning.

During the year, Educafe also continued to strengthen partnerships with organisations supporting local families and communities. Collaborative working helped improve signposting and referral pathways, extend the reach of specialist support and ensure that Educafe's activities remained relevant to local need.

Learning from stakeholders also informed the early development of the Togetherness Project and Educafe's approach to impact measurement, helping the organisation better understand what supports connection, confidence, participation and belonging.