Welcome to Communities Thirst!
Located in the reception area of St Albans Civic Centre, Communities Thirst is our community-led coffee cart. It’s staffed by volunteers who enjoy making great coffee, while learning customer service skills and growing their confidence. The support, guidance and training they receive from our manager gives them the tools they need and turns the cart into a real learning hub, a place where volunteers can feel inspired and valued. With patience, gradual skill building and a positive environment, our volunteers are given every opportunity to thrive.
Drop by for a drink or snack, you’ll always find a warm welcome waiting for you.
Run by volunteers, powered by community
Communities Thirst is an initiative which forms part of our Able2Enable and wider Employment support and training programmes. We support individuals to develop key life skills, improve their wellbeing and increase their employability skills through volunteering mentoring. It is a supportive and inclusive space where everyone contributes and where every drink or snack purchased enables the volunteers to grow at their own pace. It is a not-for-profit venture with all generated income being invested back into supplies and staffing to support the volunteers.
Next time you’re in the area, stop by, say hello, and enjoy a good coffee for a good cause!
Time and Location
Monday – Thursday, 9am to 4pm
Friday, 9am to 3:45pm (Please check back for seasonal opening time changes)
St Albans Civic Centre, St Peter’s Street, St Albans, AL1 3JE
Our volunteers' stories
“I owe Communities 1st such a lot”
Gabriela explained to me over a delicious cup of coffee at the Communities Thirst coffee point in the St Albans Civic Centre where she gives her time as a volunteer. Gabriela continued, “Communities 1st has helped me learn English, taught me new skills, and given me greater confidence. Without Communities 1st I would not be where I am today.”
Gabriela, as a refugee, came to this country some three years ago and was found accommodation in a hotel in St Albans. That was how she first came across Communities 1st which was providing support, information, and advice to refugees. “When I first came to St Albans I could speak no English. I was very shy. I had no confidence,” she explained. Through Communities 1st she started to learn English. “There was one worker who was patient with me. I liked talking to her,” she smiled. “She is peaceful. She listens. She’s really nice.” Read more...