The Pow Wow café is a community café in the heart of Kingsway, West Teignmouth it was opened by Mars Hill church in response to the community wanting a local shop and hub. The cafe is community focused and local people are encouraged to bring their activities and groups to use the space.

One group who uses the space is the Crafters of the Round Table, started by Dawn and Kirstine, it’s all about learning and sharing crafts, materials their skills. But crafting is just a ruse, whilst it gives the group a focus , this group has developed into an anxiety and stress peer support group and there is no stigma here – it’s warm and welcoming, people are open, they share feelings and situations and they support and  encourage each other. The best thing is the energy of this group, you can feel the positive glow from them all.

Jaz has been coming to the group for  a while, she was encouraged to share her crafting skills and teach others as well as giving her a reason to get  out of the house and make her feel better. Ebby was also at home all the time bringing up her young son and had no friends, now she has lots and she has learnt great crafting skills. Both of them also now volunteer in the café and are very much part of this community They love coming to the café – they have found supportive friends and have weaved themselves into the fabric of this crafting community.

When Jaz was offered to volunteer behind the café counter she ‘gave it a go’. She has a long term illness and she loves how Pow Wow is accepting of every individual and invites them in, no matter what disability.

” I have gained confidence and that is so important to me, volunteering and the group has made me feel I can do things.  I love volunteering in the cafe and it is not pressured like work – if I am ill and can’t do it – they are happy to take the rough with the smooth”

I recently got the opportunity, through being in Pow Wow, to take up a Barista course, so now I can make a decent cup of coffee”– it’s a win for everyone.