Published on: 28th July 2025
We have officially opened a new café at Birch Hill Hospital to raise money to help people’s mental health.
Café Connect, located in the John Elliot Unit, will support Pennine Care Charity.
Profits raised will help fund important work and services for local communities, patients and staff, that are in addition to those paid for by the NHS – such as supporting community-based groups, staff development projects, or enhancing the therapeutic environments that are used by patients and their families.
Café Connect serves a variety of hot and cold food and Starbucks drinks, offering a place for hospital visitors, patients, members of the public and NHS staff to relax, recharge and connect with others.
It will also offer volunteer opportunities for current and former patients, as well as members of the local community to gain valuable experience, build confidence, and develop key skills.
Paul Waugh, MP for Rochdale, joined Evelyn Asante-Mensah, chair, and other colleagues to launch Café Connect on Friday 25 July 2025.
Paul Waugh MP said: "It was a real honour to attend the opening of Cafe Connect at Birch Hill, and to see firsthand how it will encourage better wellbeing for patients, visitors, volunteers and NHS staff.
It is so important to have dedicated spaces like these on our hospital sites to bring warmth and a true sense of community, and I want to thank both the trust and Pennine Care Charity for making this a reality here in Rochdale.
As a government we are committed to supporting our NHS mental health services with more money and staff, to give both children and adults the support they need.”
Wes Partington, director of Pennine Care Charity said: “We’re incredibly proud of Café Connect. It’s more than just a café – it’s a space where people can take a moment for themselves or enjoy a chat with others. We hope it becomes a much-loved part of the Birch Hill community and a great success for years to come.”
“This is just one part of our charity’s ongoing commitment to enhance the experience of everyone who is under, visits or works in Pennine Care services.”
Allison Bryne, volunteer coordinator at Pennine Care NHS said: “Volunteering is a wonderful way for people to give back. It’s about more than just helping – it’s about being part of something that brings comfort and connection to others. We appreciate all of our volunteers for the value they bring.”
How to get involved
To express interest in volunteering at Café Connect or other Pennine Care NHS services, contact volunteering.penninecare@nhs.net or call 0161 716 3365 to speak to a member of the volunteering team.
To support or find out more about Pennine Care Charity visit their website: https://www.penninecarecharity.org.uk