Celebrating One Year of the Hayling Island Parkinson’s Café

This February marks a very special milestone, one year since the Hayling Island Parkinson’s Café first opened its doors. What began in February 2025 as a small, hopeful idea has grown into a welcoming, supportive space that continues to flourish month after month.

From the very beginning, the café was created with the aim to bring people together. Over the past year, we’ve seen that vision come to life in the most heart-warming way. Attendance has grown steadily, with new faces joining regularly alongside familiar ones, creating a strong sense of continuity and community.

The café has become much more than a place to meet for a cup of tea. It’s a space where friendships have been formed, stories have been shared, and people have felt truly understood. Visitors come not only for the support, but for the laughter, reassurance and connection that comes from being around others who “just get it”.

Throughout the year, we’ve also been lucky to welcome a range of guest speakers, offering valuable information, advice and reassurance on topics that matter to those living with Parkinson’s, as well as their families and carers. These sessions have sparked conversations, answered questions, and empowered people with knowledge and confidence.

Perhaps most importantly, the Hayling Island Parkinson’s Café has become a place where no one feels alone. Whether someone is newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or simply looking for connection, the café offers a friendly, relaxed environment where everyone is welcome.

As we celebrate this first anniversary, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of the café’s journey so far — the attendees, speakers, organisers, and supporters who make it such a special place. We are incredibly proud of how it has grown and excited to see what the future holds.

Here’s to many more months of conversation, connection and community at the Hayling Island Parkinson’s Café 💚