Archbishop Rowan reads The Gruffalo to children at ‘Coffee Tots’

‘Coffee Tots’ has been running a café and parenting project in the City Arcade for the last 18 months. The project provides a safe and relaxed space for parents with young children; it also offers subsidised fair-trade drinks, snacks and light lunches.   A Christian manager, staff and volunteers aim to demonstrate God’s love in practical ways.  They are helping parents to enjoy raising their children, to feel supported and to grow in confidence in their role as parents.

A new customer recently asked what makes ‘Coffee Tots’ so special.  One of the regular customers overheard the question and immediately responded: “Acceptance – everyone is welcome and accepted here.  No matter what everyone else thinks of you, at ‘Coffee Tots’ you matter.”

It all began as a monthly toddler group meeting in a city centre coffee shop.  By talking to the parents, and building relationships with them, it was recognized that there was a great need within Coventry City Centre for a permanent base.  Many young parents regularly spent time in the city centre to escape their houses; they did not have adequate support systems, which left them feeling lonely and isolated.  Low-income, single parents and asylum seekers were the worst affected, however changes in society had left many people isolated and lacking contact with other parents.  Two of the founder organisers of this group therefore decided to leave their jobs in 2009 to start fundraising and working towards the opening ‘Coffee Tots’.

‘Coffee Tots’ now welcomes 30 to 45 parents every day with their young children, many of whom are regulars who have made this their 'home from home'.  The majority of the parents live in areas of severe deprivation.  The additional support that ‘Coffee Tots’ provides has made a great difference to their family lives.

Catherine Bartlem, one of the Co-Managers said, “The staff and customers are all very excited to welcome the Archbishop to ‘Coffee Tots’.  Our resident cake-baker was busy baking cakes all morning, and the children have been busy all week with Gruffalo craft activities.”