Citizens Advice Rutland is delighted to have re-launched Rural Coffee Connect in Rutland which will pop up around the county providing free barista coffee and drinks, along with information on local services, every Wednesday.

Starting at Ryhall Village Hall, a Community Outreach Officer and a trained Barista from Rural Community Council bring their Rural Coffee Connect van along with a range of information to provide a safe and friendly space for people to enjoy a coffee, chat and build connections in their community.

The team will be on hand from 10am until 3pm, with hot drinks served from 11am, to provide signposting and referrals to Citizens Advice Rutland and a range of support services and community organisations.

The Rural Coffee Connect van may be a familiar sight to Rutland residents as it has been travelling around rural Leicestershire and Rutland since 2019, however the service ended in the county back in June when funds ran out.

Thanks to a successful bid by Citizens Advice Rutland, funding for this pilot partnership with Rural Community Council has come from national Citizens Advice to give rural communities in the county access to advice and support, reducing isolation and loneliness.

Duncan Furey, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Rutland said "It is wonderful to welcome Rural Coffee Connect back to Rutland. Over the next 11 months, Tracey and the Barista team will visit many of our smaller communities across the county, promoting services and signposting to other charities. All whilst dispensing fantastic free coffee and always eager to have a chat with the locals."

Tracey Pollard of the Rural Community Council said "It's so great to be back in Rutland with our coffee connect van. We are looking forward to being able to support residents in rural locations and provide them with lots of information about the services that Citizens Advice Rutland can offer.

"We will be able to fill in referrals during our visits if someone needs immediate support, or we can supply contact information for Citizens Advice Rutland and other relevant services in the local area.We are looking forward to being able to give the local residents the knowledge theyneed so that they are aware of the support available to them on their doorstep."

Rutland Citizens Advice Bureau (Charity Registration Number 1107907, a company limited by guarantee, Registered Number 05287678 in England and Wales, Registered office 56 High Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6AL). Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 617720).

Having already made their first two stops, Rural Coffee Connect will continue to be at Ryhall Village Hall between 10am and 3pm on Wednesday 15 November.

From there the van moves on to Langham Village Hall for Wednesday 22 and 29 November and 6 December. After these dates the team will move on to other locations around Rutland which will be publicised as they are confirmed.

To keep up to date with Rural Coffee Connect follow @CitizensAdviceRutland or @YourRCC on Facebook or contact Citizens Advice Rutland on 01572 725809 or [email protected]