History
Are you sitting comfortably?...
In 2022 our CEO, Debs, was somewhat burnt out from the vast expansion of the project through the COVID-19 pandemic. She started to fantasise about running away from all the responsibilities of running a charity and instead indulging in a personal fantasy... setting up a 1970's cafe!
Debs would be quick to chastise herself for what she put down to an 'unhelpful distraction' from the vital ministry of Silver Cord.
Then in March 2023, sat at her desk, having decided to go all-in with Silver Cord and leave her role as community worker, Debs penned her notice and before clicking 'send' had a thought: 'Where will our Silver Cord office be?'
Within the hour an email came through, offering rent-FREE spaces for charities to occupy unused shops in Hyde Mall, Tameside. When Debs got in touch with the management, they were quick to say that it couldn't JUST be an office, but needed something at the front to encourage footfall...
To the surface came back the idea of a 1970's cafe. 'Could it possibly be part of the vision for Silver Cord?'. Debs floated it with the management at the Mall and it quickly received a green light. Silver Cord volunteers were called to action to pray that everything might come together and within a few weeks, Debs was contacted 'out of the blue' by someone she knew...
Their aunty had sadly passed away and they were on borrowed time to clear her house. Knowing Debs' love of vintage, they had contacted her to see if there was anything that might take her interest before getting a clearance company in. They had no idea about the potential 'Living Room' in the making, yet lo and behold, the house was a 1970's palace of sorts! Everything in perfect condition! From Macintosh sideboards, to Denby crockery, Ercol furniture, coffee percolators and a 1970's 3 piece suite in the colour of the Silver Cord logo! Bar a very few items of decor and furniture, this one house provided us with everything to make the dream a reality.
And so, November 4th 2023, The Living Room really did become a dream come true! Not just for Debs, but for the many who now find it their place of refuge and community and encounter the love of God through the joy of a warm welcome, listening ear and creative atmosphere.