Community First Takes On YMCA Eastleigh Café Operation

Community First is excited to announce that we’re taking on the operation of YMCA’s Eastleigh cafe this November. Building on our strong community foundations and ensuring it remains a welcoming space for local people to connect as part of the wider Community Centre offer.

Community First is pleased to have reached an agreement with YMCA Fairthorne Group, having explored options for the long term future of the cafe. As a charity with a strong track record of supporting and strengthening local communities, we will assume responsibility for the cafe from 2nd November 2026, following a handover period between the two charities.

For customers and community members, much will remain the same. The cafe will continue operating from YMCA Eastleigh, providing a welcoming space where people can meet, connect and spend time together.

Over the years, the Eastleigh cafe in the Stoneham community has become more than somewhere to enjoy a coffee or lunch. It has become a valued part of community life, bringing people together and providing opportunities for social connection. Ensuring the continuity of this service was a key consideration throughout this process.

Importantly, Eastleigh Community Centre remains fully open and operational. YMCA Fairthorne Group will continue to run the centre and work alongside Community First as they take the cafe forward.

Phillipa Spicer, CEO of YMCA Fairthorne Group, said:

“Eastleigh cafe has become much more than somewhere to enjoy a drink and a snack. It’s a place where people meet, build relationships and feel part of their community. While the cafe’s future required us to consider a different approach, it was incredibly important to us that it could continue to serve the people who value it. We’re delighted to have reached an agreement with Community First, whose values and community focus make them well placed to take the cafe forward.”

Tim Houghton, Chief Executive, Community First, said:

“We’re pleased to be taking on the cafe and to have the opportunity to build on the important role it already plays in the Eastleigh community. Partnership working is a big part of what we do, and we’re grateful to YMCA Fairthorne Group for working so closely with us throughout the transition. We’re looking forward to continuing that collaborative approach.”

Community First brings considerable experience of supporting community spaces and bringing together services, activities, groups and support for local people. The charity already runs community hubs in Clanfield and Leigh Park and, through its Community Development programme, supports spaces across several districts of Hampshire including Eastleigh. Find out more about our actions in Eastleigh by following the Facebook page.

You can follow the Cafe’s news and promotions on the new Facebook page here