Cindy and Her Son Henley

“It’s a lovely warm and I inviting place that is open to anyone and everyone!”

Bideford Library is an important part of life for Cindy and her family.

Cindy who lives in East-the-Water, first started going to the Chatty Café every week to make new friends and help her confidence. She’s been bringing her three children to the library for years but felt she needed time for herself. During half term in October 2024 she was able to bring 10-year-old Henley, who has autism, down for children’s Halloween activities that were running alongside the Chatty Café.

“I first brought Henley to the library during half term when they said they would be putting on activities for the children whilst we attended Chatty Café,” said Cindy, who’s 33. “He absolutely loved it and all the staff were brilliant with him. He particularly enjoyed the pumpkin carving and snacks! Henley has been diagnosed for autism for many years and has many struggles that include sensory and processing. He can really struggle in loud places that have too many people but the library is always a great place to go as it’s so calm and quiet.

“He enjoyed the half term activities so much he’s actually asking to come back the next time they do children’s events alongside Chatty Café.

“The library and the group have benefited me loads. I suffer with mental health issues and I feel as though I can go to Chatty Café no matter what I have going on and there would be someone there to listen to me if I ever needed to talk. I went once when I was trying to sort paper work for Henley’s Education Health and Care Plan for his autism. A lovely woman who was also visiting the library overheard what I was trying to do was ever so kind to me and gave me her email and number if I ever needed a chat or help as she knew about it. She made me feel more calm and relaxed.

“Attending Chatty Café is something I now do weekly with my mum and brother who told me about it. My brother is his 20s and also has additional needs. He attends several groups downstairs with Learn Devon that are for young adults with additional needs. The staff at Chatty Café are amazing with him as they are with everyone.

“Me and my family go to the library for something every week and it’s become part of our routine! Last week I met a woman who was a support worker for clients local to Bideford. It was her first time there. We sat down and I listed all the local groups that would benefit her and her clients and told her about the classes they put in downstairs in the library rooms. It was nice to be able to help someone else and give back.

“The library is a lovely warm and I inviting place that is open to anyone and everyone and the staff at Chatty Café deserve all the praise, they are such lovely people.”