In this opening episode of Creating Communities, host Jamie speaks with Clare Middleton, Founder and Co-Director of EduCafe CIC, and Mark Brown, West Berkshire Council’s Lead for Adult & Community Learning.
Together, they share the inspiring story of how EduCafe grew from a small English-conversation meet up into a thriving weekly community hub supporting up to 200 people every Wednesday.
Clare reflects on her journey from running the Berkshire School of English to creating a warm, informal space where people of all ages and backgrounds could practise English, meet new people, and access friendly support. What began as a simple idea quickly developed into a lively, volunteer-powered gathering offering social connection, language learning support, community advice, family activities, and wellbeing sessions.
Mark brings the council perspective, explaining how local partnerships helped EduCafe scale during key moments of change - particularly as the community welcomed Syrian, Afghan, Hong Kong, and Ukrainian families. He highlights how hubs like EduCafe play a vital role in building confidence, fostering belonging, and strengthening community cohesion across West Berkshire.
Together, Clare and Mark explore:
Clare also introduces the Togetherness Programme, a new initiative designed to help other areas set up their own version of EduCafe, whether a full weekly hub or smaller elements like Parent Village or Chatty Corner, to meet local needs.
The episode closes with thoughtful advice for anyone wanting to start their own community project: listen closely, start before you feel ready, choose partners who share your values, and build slowly but consistently.
A warm, insightful conversation about how connection, kindness, and collaboration can transform a whole community.
If you are inspired by what you hear you can find out more about Educafe and how you can set one up in your area using our Toolkit or How to Support Us. If you’re feeling generous, you can buy us a coffee.
This is a Research Podcasts production.
Credits:
Presenter: Jamie Adam, Research Podcasts
Guests: Clare Middleton, Educafe and Mark Brown, West Berkshire Council
Producer: Jamie Adam, Research Podcasts
You can read a transcript of this conversation here.
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