Our very own Café Palais has received a Haringey Loneliness Award as part of this year’s ‘Loneliness Awareness Week’ (15-21 June 2026).
The awards, organised by Haringey Reach and Connect, recognise groups, organisations and individuals who contribute to tackling loneliness and social isolation in Haringey, through their compassion, innovation, support and outreach.
Café Palais was one of 10 community groups to be honoured at the awards ceremony on Monday 15 June 2026 held in the Palace’s Transmitter Hall.
This year’s theme is ‘supporting people with dementia and their carers’ by building positive social connections and reducing loneliness.
Café Palais is a monthly initiative, created by our Creative Learning team. Styled as a 1920s-themed café, it offers artistic activities, entertainment and refreshments for older people, people living dementia and their carers.
Each year, our Creative Learning Programme engages 13,500 people, including 2,000 older residents and people living with dementia.
“We invite people to try something new and take part in different experiences, a chance to get dressed up, socialise, and have something in the calendar each month to look forward to” says Jen Blackwood, Creative Learning Producer, Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust.
“Café Palais brings a little glitz and glamour with new activities every month, from cabaret performances and dancing, to jazz, pottery, art workshops and more. We’re absolutely thrilled to be recognised by Reach and Connect, especially alongside so many other exceptional groups, organisations and individuals.”
Community Connector, Ashley Grey from Haringey Reach and Connect adds; “Haringey Reach and Connect is commissioned by Haringey Council to support residents age 50+ to live happier, healthier lives.
“Many of our referrals involve people experiencing loneliness or social isolation, so we developed Loneliness Awareness Week in Haringey, to reduce the stigma of talking about it and inspire conversation and communication. These Awards recognise the valuable, innovative work being done in our community and celebrate the joy of togetherness!”
