The story
The story behind Coffee & Connection.
In 2023, during one of the darkest periods of my life, I had to seek the support of James’ Place, a suicide prevention charity.
That period of my life could have remained something I only ever looked back on negatively. Instead, I wanted to take something positive from it and that became part of the idea behind Social Cup.
I know from my own experience just how much one conversation can make a difference to someone’s day. So I wanted to create more than just a coffee van. I wanted to create a space centred around connection, conversation and community. Somewhere people feel comfortable stopping, taking a minute and having a chat.
The idea is simple, come for a coffee, take a minute, connect and hopefully leave feeling a little better than when you arrived.
I share my story in the hope that anyone who may be struggling sees it and knows that it’s okay to talk, to reach out and to ask for support. If it encourages even one person to have that conversation, then it’s worth it.
Help is out there. Social Cup Coffee is not a mental health service, but Connor is an ambassador for James’ Place, who provide free, fast therapy for men in suicidal crisis. If you are struggling, they are there, and so are the Samaritans, free on 116 123, any hour of any day.
