Archbishop visits Coffee Tots in Coventry
Friday 25th May 2012
Archbishop Rowan visited an imaginative new project, Coffee Tots, which is changing the lives of many young families in Coventry.Coffee Tots, a café and drop-in parenting project run by a Christian manager, staff and volunteers, has been operating in Coventry city centre for 18 months. It grew out of a monthly toddler group which met in a coffee shop - as time went by it became clear that a permanent base was needed that could offer support and practical help to parents, especially to those with low incomes, or who were single parents or asylum seekers. Coffee Tots now welcomes 30-45 parents every day with their young children, offering them support and a 'home from home' as well as subsidised drinks and snacks, a play area and craft table, and daily activities.
During his visit, the Archbishop read Julia Donaldson's "The Gruffalo" to a captivated group of children and parents. He also sang songs and played games with the children, met and chatted with parents, and even had a go with the coffee machine. Watch a video below about the Archbishop's time at Coffee Tots.
Video by blueQuail media & production.
Co-manager and trustee Catherine Bartlem said that staff and customers were all excited to welcome the Archbishop. "Our resident cake-baker was busy baking cakes all morning, and the children have been busy all week with Gruffalo craft activities."
Speaking later to BBC Coventry & Warwickshire, the Archbishop said "I always really enjoy visits to schools and children's projects because you can put aside all pretence and just get down and make friends. It's been lovely."
