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When good friends Paula Allen and Sarah Hawkins heard that volunteers were needed to run a café session for local veterans, they didn’t hesitate to come forward. The Help for Heroes café was set up in May 2025 and is flourishing at Grandpa Joe’s Potting Shed, part of Birley Moor Garden Centre in South-East Sheffield. But in January this year, local Community Builder Angelique Foster needed to find someone to take the lead for the monthly drop-in sessions.
Paula and Sarah, who both live in the Dronfield area near to Sheffield, have strong family connections to the military and have been active fundraisers for the Charity for a combined total of 28 years.
Sarah explained, “My father Jack Whittaker was in the RAF during the Second World War and I’ve proudly got his service medals on display at home and both my son’s served in the Army and my sister in the Navy. Both Paula and I are really proud of our family members who have served, and we wanted to do our bit.” Paula’s grandfather, father and nephew have served in more recent conflicts.
Sarah added, “It’s a really welcoming environment for veterans and their family members, to come along, have a free cuppa, and meet with people they have something in common with. Feelings of isolation can be a problem for veterans. We know that people look forward to coming along, and it’s great to see friendships developing.”
The initiative is supported by Reverend David Walker and the team at Grandpa Joe’s Potting Shed, who provide the facility free of charge. Former service men and women from the local area are encouraged to come along and find out what’s on in the area for our ex-armed forces members and their families, reconnect with others or simply have a chat.
Paula said, “Our role as volunteers is to organise the café sessions, to be there to listen to the veterans, and to support them to get involved in the wider community. It’s good for everyone’s mental health to connect with others over a relaxed brew in a great environment. Sarah and I are focused on creating a relaxed café session where everyone can fit it. A lot of people who have served in the armed forces don’t think of themselves as veterans – but we’re here for them no matter when, or where, or how long they’ve served.”
Angelique Foster, Community Builder for Sheffield said, “We’re so grateful to Paula and Sarah for giving up their time to support our veterans. We really couldn’t continue to provide this valuable service without them. The latest data shows that Sheffield is home to more than 13,000 men and women who have served in the armed forces. We want to support the growth of a thriving Armed Forces community in the local area and we’re hoping former servicemen and women will come along and find out more.”
The Help for Heroes café is held on the third Tuesday of the month, 11:30am – 1:30pm, at Grandpa Joe’s Potting Shed, Birley Moor, S20 5BB. For more information go to Help for Heroes Cafés.