A family run café has cooked up a unique inter-generational project in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

The Tuesday Club will offer free meals for older people at Loui’s Kitchen, the Westlands, each Tuesday, between 12.30 and 2pm, with the meal made and served by young people from the Keele-based Caudwell Children charity.

Loui’s Kitchen was set up by Special Connections CIC in 2023 and is run by three generations of the Talbot family. Loui, a young adult with autism and learning difficulties, supported by mum, Emily, and grandparents. Tony and Steph Talbot.

The first Tuesday Club lunch special will be served on 22 July, with a menu of Loui’s famous cottage pie, vegetables and gravy, followed by homemade bread and butter pudding served with ice cream or custard.

Special Connections won funding from the National Lottery Awards for All scheme to connect young adults with local older residents building friendships over a free lunch. The funding also provides for a Community Tuesday project, providing a place to meet and enjoy cake and a cuppa every Tuesday afternoon, available to local voluntary groups free of charge, which will be launched in August 2025. 

“Special Connections was founded to support young people like Loui providing work experience opportunities. Our new partnership with Caudwell Children for our Tuesday Club project is a significant step forward,” said Emily.

“All older people from the local Newcastle area are welcome to join the Tuesday Club for a hearty lunch, made and served by young people with additional needs, supported by the Loui’s café team.

“The Tuesday Club has many benefits, it is an inter-generational project bringing younger and older adults together, it provides valuable work experience for the young people involved, and combats loneliness among the older community.

“As a family we know how tough it was for Loui to get work opportunities when he left education, and the Tuesday Club is part of Special Connections’ aim to allow young people with additional needs the opportunities they deserve.”

The café is close to many flats and bungalows, including housing for older people.

Caudwell Children will provide five young people to help out at the Tuesday Club, providing valuable work experience opportunities for young people with additional needs.

Booking is essential as spaces are limited. Telephone 01782 640826 or call in at Loui’s Kitchen in advance.

ENDS

For media enquiries contact Nigel Howle. Telephone 0776 2043436, email [email protected]