Friendship Cafes

Invicta Court Care Home (Care UK) – Friendship Café

We have been proud and thankful to have been working alongside Invicta Court since 2020. This is where we hold one of our monthly Friendship Cafés in a calm, friendly space where people can sit and chat in a small group without the pressure of a large crowd. Invicta Court is well known locally for its strong community focus and the warm welcome it gives everyone who comes through the door. Their team is committed to supporting connection and wellbeing, which makes it a lovely place for our group to meet, relax over a drink and enjoy good company.

Maplewood Court Care Home (Oakland Care)

We have a growing partnership with Maplewood Court Care Home in Maidstone and hold our second monthly Friendship Café there. The relaxed, small group setting suits people who prefer a quieter meetup. Maplewood Court has been very welcoming and quickly saw
the positive difference our Invicta Court café makes in people’s lives, so they were happy to support us and help people in the community. Their friendly team and caring environment make it a lovely place for everyone to enjoy a chat, a drink and good company.

Meetups

Frédéric Bistro – Freddie’s Friends

We meet at Frederic’s Bistro in Maidstone once a month, often in groups of 25 to 30 people. It’s an ideal spot to pop in for a coffee and company after doing a bit of shopping. Ulric, the owner, has been supporting our friendship group since 2020, always providing a
generous, welcoming space for everyone. He is passionate about community spirit and making people feel included, which makes Frederic’s a perfect place to relax, chat, and enjoy time together.

Early Bird – Chit n’ Chatter

We meet at The Early Bird in Grove Green once a month, with Andreea and her team supporting our group since 2019. It’s an ideal stop before or after a trip to Tesco, with a wonderful welcome and refreshments laid out ready for us. Although the restaurant is usually
closed on Mondays, Andreea kindly opens the space just for our group, understanding how important the morning get-together is for our older friends. Her warmth and thoughtfulness make it a perfect place to relax, chat, and enjoy company in a calm, friendly setting.

Invicta Grammar School – Tea, Tech & Tête-à-Tête

Tea & Tech is a lovely intergenerational monthly event where Year 12 students generously give up their lunch break to help our older friends with questions they might have about their mobile phones, laptops, and iPads. Alongside this, we include ‘Tête-à-Tête’, a time for those who don’t necessarily need tech help but simply enjoy the opportunity for conversation and getting to know others. It’s a relaxed, friendly session built on patience, kindness, and shared time, where age differences truly fade away.

Arriva Kent & Medway - The Friendship Bus

The Friendship Bus in Maidstone brings people together to enjoy simple days out. On a set day and time each month, people meet up, travel together on the bus, and stop at a destination for a couple of hours. It’s a friendly chance to chat and enjoy company instead of being on your own, and concession bus passes can be used for the journey. We are especially grateful to Christian Obray, our ‘go-to’ man from Arriva, who has become a true friend and supporter of our group over the years. All of our members think of him as their own grandson, and his kindness makes every trip even more special.