New café in Newark offers relief to struggling families
With the pressure of keeping children fed and entertained over the summer holidays starting to overwhelm some parents - a charity in Newark is hoping to offer some relief with a new café
With the cost of living still hitting many families hard this summer, a new café in Newark is opening up, offering free meals and activities for youngsters.
A survey by the Salvation Army found more than a third of parents plan to skip meals so their children can go to holiday club.
But Toasties café in Balderton is hoping to reduce the amount that's happening locally
The Salvation Army in Newark launches Toasties Café today, a warm and welcoming initiative designed to feed the community and foster connection during the summer holidays.
Opening from 18 August, the café will run for two weeks, Monday to Friday, 12–2pm, at Mead Way, Balderton, NG24 3GA, offering free meals and fun activities for children.
Toasties Café is stepping in to make sure no one goes hungry or feels alone this summer. For £2, adults can enjoy a toastie and a hot drink, while kids eat free with no need to purchase an adult meal.
Captain Sarah O’Grady, Corps Officer of Salvation Army in Newark, said: “We know that the summer holidays can be an especially challenging time for families—when routines change, costs go up, and the pressure to keep children fed and entertained can feel overwhelming.
“Toasties Café is our way of saying, ‘You don’t have to do this alone.’
"It’s a space where families can gather, enjoy a warm, affordable meal, and where children can laugh, play, and just be kids. Best of all, children eat completely free. No referrals, no bookings, no questions asked. Just turn up and feel welcome.”
For many families, summer can mean tighter budgets and tougher choices. But this August, it is hoped that this initiative will help alleviate the financial worries that parents may have.
In a new survey by the charitable organisation, 36% cannot afford to pay for childcare over summer. While 30% will not be able to afford to take their children on any sort of holiday.
But food is only part of the story. Alongside lunch, visitors can take part in free indoor activities, including basketball, table tennis, pool, and football, making the café a great place for families to relax and play in a safe, supportive space, plus there is also a toddler corner for little children to play.
The initiative reflects The Salvation Army’s deep commitment to supporting individuals and families beyond emergency relief, providing consistent, compassionate care for the family.
The café is located at The Salvation Army’s Newark church and community centre, which holds a 5-star food hygiene rating and has long been a trusted place of welcome, service, and support in Balderton.
Please note: Toasties Café is open from 12pm to 2pm each day and will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 25 August.
The Salvation Army in Newark offers a welcoming space throughout the week with a variety of activities including community warm space, monthly lunch club, Charity & Book Shop. For more information on activities from The Salvation Army in Newark follow on Facebook