Launching on 30th June, NeighbourGood Café aims to help the people of Hackney to connect with their neighbours and forge stronger community bonds.
Love where you live.The last few years have helped us become more aware of what our neighbourhoods have to offer and consider how we might work together to protect the communities in which we live. As a result, we’ve had the opportunity to get to know our neighbours better than ever before. In fact, Ring’s latest research found a quarter of us (25%) became friendlier with our neighbours during lockdown. Our research also revealed that the connections created during this time appear to have endured, with over a third (36%) feeling that the sense of neighbourly spirit improved since lockdown restrictions lifted*.
One good deed deserves another.
Taking inspiration from the belief that communities are stronger when they work together, we’re introducing the NeighbourGood Café, a limited-edition destination designed to celebrate community spirit and neighbourly goodwill. When the doors open on this unique café, customers like you will be able to “pay” for food and drink with an offer to help fellow neighbours. Whether it’s swapping a pledge for a pastry, or a warm chat for a hot coffee, every visitor to the Café can exchange a good deed for light refreshments.
Give a little, get a little.
Knowing that the needs of a community are as diverse as the people living within it, NeighbourGood Café will accept a wide variety of good deeds. Keen DIYers and gardeners can offer to help fix a fence or tame an unkempt garden. People with a bit of spare time might pledge to walk their neighbour’s dog, or offer advice to someone in need of some expert help. The more outgoing among us may simply reach out and introduce ourselves to someone new.
To inspire the nation to get involved and make their own good deed pledges, Ring is also partnering with singer and TV/Radio presenter, Fleur East. Growing up in Walthamstow in North-East London, Fleur understands first-hand how important communities can be for individuals growing up and fully supports the mission of the NeighbourGood Café.
Fleur East, singer and TV/Radio presenter, said: “Ring’s NeighbourGood Café is a unique way to encourage people to do a good deed and give back to their community - especially as small and simple acts of kindness can have a big impact on someone’s life. The community of neighbours and friends I had growing up in Walthamstow was incredible, and it’s this network of support and understanding that saw me through both good and difficult times. If the past few years has taught us anything, it’s that we all thrive when we come together and support each other.”
Neighbourhood favourites.
To help customers of NeighbourGood Café feel even more at home, we conducted a poll to find which drinks, cakes and pastries are preferred by the residents of Hackney. As a result, we’ll be serving up coffee and hot chocolate, along with locally-produced brownies, cinnamon buns, pain au chocolat and more. In keeping with the local theme, the Café will be filled with books about Hackney and inspiring stories from local people who have gone above and beyond for their community. What’s even better, is that the Café is dog-friendly and there is no booking required.
Make a connection, build your community.
If you have a good deed that you’d like to pledge, you want to get to know your neighbours a little better, or you’re in need of some neighbourly support, then join us at NeighbourGood Café between the 30th June and the 2nd July at 12 Sidworth Street, E8 3SD. Doors open from Thursday 30th June at 12.30pm, and will be open from 8:00am-4pm daily until Saturday 2nd July. Every visitor will be helping to connect the community and make stronger neighbourhood bonds.
If you’re popping by, don’t forget to share your photos and good deed pledges with the hashtag #NeighbourGoodCafe. You can also head to www.ring.com/neighbourgoodcafe for more information. We hope to see you there!
* The research was conducted by Censuswide, with 2,010 general respondents and 100 respondents in Hackney aged 16+ in the UK between 09.05.2022 - 13.05.2022. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles.