What We Do

Thurso Community Cafe is much more than a place to eat and drink. We provide a warm, welcoming space where people can come together, meet others and feel part of their community.

Our café is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who help create the friendly atmosphere we are known for. Conversation, companionship and a listening ear are just as important to us as the food and hot drinks we serve.

Our Community Larder provides free access to food and everyday essentials for anyone who needs a little extra support. With the generous help of local businesses, organisations and individuals who donate food, we are able to keep the larder stocked and help reduce both food poverty and food waste.

Alongside the café and larder, we provide one-to-one support, volunteering opportunities, family activities, soft play, our clothing reuse shop, recovery and wellbeing activities, community groups and other projects designed to bring people together and support our local community.

A place to eat. A place to talk. A place to get support. A place to belong.

How We Do It

Thurso Community Cafe is built around a simple principle: everyone is welcome, regardless of their circumstances or ability to pay.

Our community café operates mainly on a donation basis, allowing people to contribute what they can. There is no set expectation – some people may give more, some less, and others may not be able to contribute at all. Everyone receives the same warm welcome.

We work closely with local supermarkets, businesses and members of the public, who generously donate surplus food and other items. This helps us provide affordable meals and support while also reducing food waste within our community.

Volunteering is at the heart of what we do. We provide supportive opportunities for people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities to get involved, meet others, learn new skills and build confidence.

For some, volunteering is simply a way to give something back to their community. For others, it can provide routine, purpose and experience, helping them take their first steps towards training, education or paid employment.

By combining donations, food reuse, volunteering and community support, we are able to create a sustainable and inclusive service that is about much more than food – it is about people helping people.

Who We Work With

Thurso Community Cafe is at the heart of the community, and partnership working is an important part of everything we do.

We have strong relationships with local organisations, charities, schools, health and support services, businesses and community groups. By working together, we can connect people with the right support, share resources and create more opportunities for individuals and families across Thurso and the wider Caithness area.

We also work closely with our volunteers, local businesses, funders, donors and members of the public, whose continued support makes much of our work possible.

Our approach is simple: listen to our community, understand what people need and work together to make it happen.

Working together for a stronger, healthier and more connected community.