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Rotary Collaboration: Welwyn Garden City Members Visit Hitchin Tilehouse Carer Cafe

Fri, Jan 23rd 2026 at 9:59 am - 11:59 am

The day began early for members of the Welwyn Garden City Rotary Club with a 6:30 am start. Despite the cold, dark morning and the quiet commute from Welwyn Garden City to Hitchin, the early departure was for a significant purpose


he day began early for members of the Welwyn Garden City Rotary Club with a 6:30 am start. Despite the cold, dark morning and the quiet commute from Welwyn Garden City to Hitchin, the early departure was for a significant purpose: witnessing firsthand the successful collaboration between Rotary and local healthcare services.

The morning commenced with an informal Rotary meeting, after which members went directly to Church House, located opposite St Mary’s Church, to assist with the setup of the weekly Carer Cafe. This hands-on involvement included preparing the hall, brewing tea and coffee, and arranging a selection of homemade cakes and biscuits.

A Community Transformed

The Carer Cafe is a flagship project for the Rotary Club of Hitchin Tilehouse. Bob Harris, a Rotarian since 2008, Past President, and current District 1260 Rotary Foundation Chair (DRFC), provided insight into the project’s remarkable growth:

"Our involvement with the Carer Cafe began in October 2023 when Dr Tara Belcher of the Hitchin and Whitwell Primary Care Network asked us to assist in a three-month trial project. Alongside healthcare professionals Maisie, Roxanne, and Alissa from the HWPCN, members of the RC of Hitchin Tilehouse help with setting up the hall, making copious amounts of tea and coffee, supplying homemade cakes and biscuits, and most importantly of all, chatting with the carers and cared-for who attend each Friday morning. We’ve come a long way from the initial meeting in 2023 where 12 carers sat alone at 12 separate tables in near silence. Today we regularly see between 45 and 65 regular attendees who have formed friendships and mutual support groups, and it is never silent! And it works both ways: running the Carer Cafe never fails to lift my mood on a Friday morning."

The Vital Link to Primary Care

A key component of the cafe’s success is its integration with local medical practices. The project works in tandem with Portmill Surgery, Bancroft Surgery, and Regal Chambers. Jemma Campany, Care Coordinator at Portmill Surgery, explained the importance of this informal setting for clinical outreach:

"The Carer Cafe is a lovely relaxed environment for informal carers to come and have a chat with each other and enjoy tea, coffee, and cake. The care coordinators from each surgery attend and deal with any queries or concerns patients are having. We have built great relationships with patients and support them to make things easier and smoother for their caring roles."

A Model for District 1260

The Carer Cafe serves as an exemplary model of how Rotary clubs can partner with willing NHS GP surgeries to provide essential community support. The Welwyn Garden City Rotary Club encourages other clubs within District 1260 to explore similar partnerships, bridging the gap between clinical care and social support.

The Carer Cafe has maintained a near-perfect attendance record, having only missed one Friday in over two years of operation.

Event Details:

  • When: Every Friday, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.

  • Where: Church House (opposite St Mary’s Church), Hitchin.