The only place to be with people who “get it”

We're delighted to announce that thanks to a grant from London Sport, we're able to bring back the Covid Café, again facilitated by Monique, Omikemi, Sally, Laura and Sophie.  (Rebecca will be popping in from time to time too) from January 2023.

“Please keep running them, I’m feeling better after only one session”

Spare Tyre invites you to the Covid Café - a creative, gentle, inclusive online space for anyone living with Long Covid (and other long term health conditions). 

In the perfect cafe of your imagination, hang out with other people who “get it”  share discoveries, explore new ways of being in the world. No therapies, no pressure, no judgement. A little breathing, a chance to reset, a gentle workout for your imagination and your creativity. Covid Cafés are free to join, and we ask you to sign up before each one.  Come to one, a few or all.

The Covid Cafe will be back from January 2023 to March 2023 with plenty of opportunities for you to put dates in your diary. Spend a 90 minute session with people who are living with Long Covid or other long term condition. 

• Mon  9 Jan   2–3.30pm
• Tue 17 Jan   5–6.30pm
• Mon 23 Jan  2–3.30pm
• Tue  7 Feb   6:30–8pm
• Mon 13 Feb   2–3.30pm
• Mon 27 Feb   2–3.30pm
• Mon  6 Mar   2–3.30pm
• Tue 14 Mar   6:30–8pm
• Tue 21 Mar   6:30–8pm
• Tue 28 Mar   5–6.30pm

“I’m feeling very calm now with more space”

Got Questions?

What does it cost?
All sessions are free but spaces are (a bit) limited to ensure everyone can participate as much as they want to. 

What if I'm too tired?
Don't worry if you can't make it on the day -  we understand about chronic fatigue! Do remember you can be at the cafe, from your bed, sofa or office, as long as you can have quiet there. You can have your camera on or off.

What if I don't feel like talking?
It's ok to sip your tea and just be with us if that's all you can offer that day.

How do I sign up?
Sign up in advance so that we can send you the link to the Zoom link. If it's your first time, we can let you have our guidelines for making sure the space is safe and inclusive for everyone.

I'm a social prescriber, can I refer people?
Yes! That's what we want... 

I don't know what a social prescriber is–Can I just sign up on my own?
Yes! That's what we also want....

Our questions:

BSL speaker?
We're arranging dates with BSL interpreters so whilst we are fixing that up, do contact us, so we can see if we can make the dates match.

Bengali Speaker
We're looking for a Bengali speaker to offer translation in some sessions. Contact us if that's you.

Other access needs?
If there's something else that would make this series more accessible to you, do ask us. We'll help if we can.

Are you a Health or Social Prescribing Commissioner?
We'd like to ensure the continuation of our Covid Cafés. Originally created by Rebecca Manson Jones who has Long Covid, the café format is still meeting a need for people who are not recovering fully from Covid and find it difficult to access support through social, health or other networks. Our approach brings benefits to confidence, mental health and relief from isolation, guilt and internalised–gaslighting. If you'd like to know more about commissioning a series (10 sessions over 3 months) please contact adam@sparetyre.org. 

This series of Covid Cafe is funded by London Sport Together Fund.