A community café in Reddish is helping people build friendships, access support and feel more connected, showing how Live Well is taking shape in everyday places across Stockport.

Having someone to talk to, somewhere to belong and knowing where to turn for support can make a huge difference to people’s health and wellbeing.

That’s the idea behind Live Well in Stockport, which is focused on helping people stay connected, access support earlier and build stronger communities.

In Reddish, one local café is showing how that can happen in practice.

Grynd café has become more than somewhere to grab a coffee. Over the last year, it has evolved into a welcoming community hub where people meet, make connections and find out about local opportunities and support, all in a relaxed and familiar setting.

The café was opened by local resident John Dace, who wanted to create a place where people felt welcome and part of the community. Since then, Grynd has grown into a popular neighbourhood hub, bringing together people of all ages and helping to strengthen local connections.

A key part of that has been the development of a regular community morning, where residents can meet others, find out what’s happening locally and chat informally with organisations working in the area.

By bringing people and services together, in a place they already know and trust, the café is helping to make support easier to access while reducing loneliness and social isolation.

John Dace, Grynd Coffee, shop owner said: “When I opened Grynd, I wanted to create somewhere welcoming where people could enjoy good coffee, have a chat and feel part of something. Reddish has a brilliant community spirit, and I wanted the café to reflect that.”

“Over the last year we’ve seen friendships form, people look out for one another, and local organisations come together to offer support when it’s needed. The coffee is important, but it’s the people who make this place special.”

“Seeing familiar faces come through the door every day, whether they’re meeting friends, joining the community morning, shows just how much a community café can mean. I’m really proud of what we’ve built together and excited to celebrate our first birthday in September.”

Councillor Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Public Protection, said: “John set out to create a welcoming café, but what has grown around it shows the difference that local people and businesses can make when they bring people together.

“Live Well is about building communities where support is easy to find, relationships are strong and nobody feels they have to face challenges alone. Grynd is a fantastic example of what that looks like in practice.

“Sometimes the most important community spaces aren’t formal services at all. They’re places where people feel comfortable, know they’re welcome and can connect with others over something as simple as a cup of coffee.”

Community mornings at Grynd are also helping people access support in a way that feels informal and approachable. Residents can chat with Stockport Council’s Public Health team, including getting free blood pressure checks, and explore opportunities with a Work and Skills Navigator from Pure Innovations. The support has already helped people take positive next steps, including one local resident exploring plans to set up their own Community Interest Company.

As Grynd approaches its first birthday on 5 September, which is also John’s birthday, the café is inviting local people to join a day of celebrations and be part of the occasion.

Grynd is based at 21 Rupert Street, Reddish, Stockport, SK5 7AP and is open Monday to Saturday, 7.30am to 2.30pm. Find out more at Grynd’s Facebook page