A MUM, psychologist and trainee midwife set up her own coffee pod to introduce a community space to the village where residents can go and feel good about themselves.
Katie Featherstone-Coombes, 30, moved to Colden Common nearly four years ago but couldn’t find a place to get a coffee, rest and have a chat while out with her baby.
Using her experience as a psychologist and trainee midwife, Katie set up The Willow Tree coffee pod at Colden Common Recreation Ground at the end of August to better support residents in the village.
The coffee shop owner said: “I just wanted somewhere to go to get a coffee. I was so tired and needed a relatively cheap way to perk me up but there wasn’t much here.
“I’ve supported families a lot through other work I’ve done. It was really important to me that people have a safe place to go where they can see other people and have a chat. People can come and get a coffee and just feel good and that’s what it’s all about.
“The parish council has been really supportive and they’re looking to build a community space like a café in the future. The council thinks the coffee pod is a great way to build the community and see if people want and need it.”
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As well as serving customers, Katie acts as a listening ear, supporting people struggling through pregnancy, house hunting, illness, bereavements and having young kids.
The mum of two is currently on a break from her midwifery training after having her daughter but will return to her studies in May and recruit someone else to help with the coffee pod.
Katie added: “I really want to help new mums and babies and the pod helps me do that. It’s more of a conduit and a way for me to support local businesses and give back. It’s not about my dream, it’s all about the community and growing those connections.
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“I would love to have a more rustic indoor space for it. A place where babies can be put on the floor and people can socialise. If there’s ever a space in the village for me to be able to move into that would be ideal. This is a watch this space kind of thing.
“Fingers crossed the summer is busy and that will help us keep someone employed over the winter. We’re going to have chairs and tables and ice cream coming in the summer.
“I’ve tried to keep my prices affordable but the cost of milk has gone up and I expect my cakes to go up soon too. Where coffee and cake is a treat and it’s a little treat, not a really expensive thing, it can be that thing for you where it makes your day a bit special without spending lots of money.”
Timings vary but the coffee pod standard opening hours are Wednesday 7.30am-3pm, Friday 7.30am-4pm and Saturday 8am-3pm.
To keep up to date with opening hours and what cakes will be on offer visit The Willow Tree – Colden Common on Facebook.
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