I just wanted to say thank you for setting the cavern up. I have learning difficulties and get anxious, especially around fights and shouting, but I feel safe here. I know it sounds silly, but it feels like a home, like a family
Home means something different to everyone. For some, it’s all about that cosy vibe—sitting in the living room with a fire going, wrapped up in blankets, watching a good film with a hot chocolate. For others, it’s the chaos of kids running around, shouting and playing. And for some, sadly, it’s a place where they don’t feel safe or secure, or even a place they’re constantly moved from. Much like the word “family,” the idea of home can shift depending on your experiences.
At The Cavern, we often talk about it as being more than just a space—it’s a home, a safe place, and a family. We’ve been around for almost ten years now, and it’s pretty amazing to still see some familiar faces from 2015 dropping by to say hello and let us know how they’re doing. Some people come in every day, while others pop by a few times a week. Just like a family home, it’s a space where you can come and go, knowing you’ll always be welcome back.
What’s remained constant at The Cavern is the team’s commitment to helping people, no matter what they’re going through. Anyone can walk through the door and ask for help, and we’ll always do our best to provide support.
One of the things we pride ourselves on is creating an environment where people feel valued. We do this not only with warm, inviting décor but by making sure nobody stays a stranger for long. If you remember the old TV show Cheers, it had that theme song, “Where everybody knows your name,” and honestly, that’s us! We get to know people, invest in their lives, and once you’re part of The Cavern family, you’re always part of it.
Of course, like any family, we have our conflicts. Sometimes, people don’t get along or misunderstandings happen. But we’re committed to resolving issues in a healthy, supportive way. We encourage setting boundaries, seeing things from the other person’s perspective, and sometimes working together to repair relationships. Holding onto conflict only tears people—and communities—apart, so we tackle it head-on to keep our space a positive one.
But it’s not all serious business—we love having fun! Whether it’s Disney movie nights, Christmas parties, or jamming out with our music community, we’re always up for a good time. We’ve got a big gaming scene too, where like-minded people can come together and enjoy themselves.
Food is also a massive part of life at The Cavern. Sharing meals helps us connect, and we work hard to make sure our food is affordable for everyone. Plus, with our pay-it-forward scheme, anyone struggling financially can still sit down and enjoy a meal with the rest of the community. Everything is made with love by our kitchen team, who are just as committed to our community as anyone else.
Above all, we believe that every single person who walks through our doors has value. We embrace everyone with open arms, and we’re here to support people through their unique journeys. Sometimes that means challenging behaviours, but we always do so with care and respect, focusing on the individual’s needs.
The Cavern is more than just a venue—it’s a home away from home for people from all walks of life. It’s a space where those who need respite, care, and community can come to find it. We’re not perfect, but we’re a family that works through things together, always with love and support at the core.
Over the years, we’ve seen so many people grow. Some have moved on to employment through volunteering opportunities here, others have connected with scouts from The Voice and gone on to perform at big events. Our mental health drop-ins have helped adults get the diagnoses and support they need, and through projects like SWEP, we’ve helped homeless individuals find housing. We’re also proud to provide a non-alcoholic venue for those battling addiction, offering a safe, sober space for them to feel part of the community.
For young people, we’re an alternative to the pub or club scene, giving them a safe, welcoming space in the city centre. We’re incredibly proud of the work we’ve done, and of the difference The Cavern has made in so many lives. It’s a family, a home, and a community all rolled into one.
