Our Projects
New Era run inclusive and welcoming cafés in Chessington, North Kingston and Kingsmeadow and a thriving community fridge in Chessington.
Square 1 Café, Chessington
Where: Chessington Sports Centre (Chessington School), Garrison Lane, Chessington, KT9 2JS
When: Friday, 11:30am – 3pm
Our first café opened in Chessington August 2022 and is a must visit venue for many local residents on a Friday! Visitors can expect table service, sandwiches, soups and hot drinks made to order, as well as delicious cakes (often homemade!). Sitting at shared tables with existing friends and soon-to-be-friends, visitors enjoy socialising with others and taking part in a variety of activities that are regularly scheduled.
Everyone is welcome and everything is free, just come on down, sign in and take a seat.
Square 1 Café, Weir Archer, Kingsmeadow
Where: Weir Archer Centre, Kingston Road, KT1 3PB
When: Monday, 10am - 1.30pm
Between the hours of 10am and 1.30pm on Mondays, we are open exclusively to support the users and volunteers of the cycle track, in collaboration with Wheels for All. This café venue and a supporting grant, kindly donated by the Royal Borough of Kingston Council, has enabled us to bring this project to life.
Chessington Community Fridge & Pantry
Where: St Mary’s Centre, Church Lane, Chessington, KT9 2DR
When: Tuesday and Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Chessington Community Fridge launched in November 2023, and is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 1pm. Located at St Mary’s Centre on Church Lane in Chessington, we collect surplus items from supermarkets to provide to the general public. In addition, we accept donations of pantry staples and other essential items from the community, to distribute to those that need them most.
Everyone is welcome, please remember to bring your own bags!
SKY Café (South Kingston Young Carers)
Limitless Possibilities
The New Era SKY Café provides a warm, welcoming café environment for young carers and their families living in the south of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. Created in partnership with Kingston Young Carers Project and shaped by direct feedback from families, the café offers a safe, accessible space closer to home for those who often face isolation and hidden pressures.
Running as a regular after-school drop-in, the SKY Café enables families to relax together, enjoy free food and refreshments, access to the community fridge and pantry, take part in creative activities, and connect with others who understand their experiences. By offering consistency, inclusion, and a sense of belonging, the café supports wellbeing, reduces isolation, and ensures young carers and their families feel valued, understood, and not alone.
Found out more here: SKY Café
