More than 40 cafes across North Staffordshire have joined the Brew Crew project designed to tackle loneliness, strengthen community connection and support local businesses.

Brew Crew has been launched by not-for-profit Reaching CIC as part of its wider aim of reducing loneliness, improving confidence and building resilient communities.

Member cafes display an orange heart sticker in their window, signalling to the community that they’re a safe and welcoming space for anyone who may be feeling isolated. Customers can wear orange heart pin badges as a sign they’d appreciate a warm welcome in a Brew Crew café, or to show their support for ending loneliness.

This collaboration between the charitable sector and local businesses will provide a vital lifeline to individuals in need of connection, while also boosting footfall and revenue for cafés.

Georgina Salt, CEO of Reaching CIC, said: “Reaching has developed a unique ability to connect people across communities of all ages and backgrounds, grounded in the belief that human relationships have the power to transform how people feel.

“We recognise the vital role that small, welcoming hospitality spaces play in the heart of our high streets, towns and villages — places where people socially connect with others and have a safe place to be. By working together with local small businesses we’re creating a movement of people, places and compassion dedicated to tackling loneliness and bringing connection to those who need it most.”

Reaching has also launched Brew Club – regular meetups hosted in Brew Crew cafés with a dedicated volunteer, where anyone can join a table, enjoy a brew,and connect with others in a relaxed, friendly environment. Brew Club gives people the confidence to walk into a café at dedicated times knowing they’ll find conversation and companionship waiting for them.

The Brew Crew project has been nominated in the Business in the Community category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.