OUR STORY

In a time when so many people are falling through the cracks,
we want to be the hands that catch them.
One Community exists to connect people - across generations, backgrounds, and circumstances - and to create a place where everyone can contribute and belong.

Rooted in Kindness

One Community Bury St Edmunds is a grassroots organisation rooted in kindness, care, and community.
‍After lockdown, we trialled a small community café, and it quickly became clear just how much need was out there.
What started as a simple idea has grown into a vibrant hub of support, creativity, and connection.

It Started with a Paintbrush

It all began when three of us – Hayley, Lorraine, and Julie – decided to give the old building a bit of a spruce-up. What started as a small project quickly got bigger and bigger. We uncovered and restored a beautiful parquet floor, brought light back in through hidden windows, painted every wall, and even tackled jobs we never thought we’d be able to do. We planted up a rustic little garden full of greenery and colour, bringing life back into this tucked-away corner of the town centre.

Built by Hands, Hearts & Help

Along the way, a few kind volunteers offered their time and skills for small jobs, and a couple of local companies generously chipped in to help – but the core of the work was done by the three of us, learning as we went.
In 2024, we formally became a Community Interest Company (CIC), making it official that the community is – and always will be – at the heart of everything we do. We exist to support local people, not to make profit. Every penny we raise goes straight back into helping others.

Looking Out for One Another

We’ve also raised funds for a public-access defibrillator, now installed outside our building. It includes one of the town’s first emergency bleed kits – part of a new initiative to improve community safety.Like everything we do, this was made possible through local generosity, hard work, and a shared belief in looking out for one another.
Today, One Community runs a welcoming vegetarian café, affordable room hire, and a growing number of local projects. It all comes back to one thing:
People helping people.
That’s what makes a community – and that’s what makes the biggest difference where it really matters.

Meet the Team

We're a small team with big hearts, united by a shared mission to support and uplift our community.
Get to know the people working behind the scenes to make it all happen.

Hayley

Manager & Community Project Developer
(Chief of Care & Chaos)

Dawn

Admin Assistant
(Spreadsheet Ninja)

Julie

The Frosting Fairy

Murtaza

Lord of the Marmite Mushrooms

Huey

Huey of the Hashtags

Abdul

Abdul the Artful

Lizzie

The Go-To Gal

Glamorous Jill

Jill on the Till

WHAT WE DO

It’s all about people helping people – that’s where the magic happens.

Old School Café

A friendly, down-to-earth space serving beautiful vegetarian food, great coffee, and a warm welcome for everyone. Tucked away behind our heritage building, you’ll find our secret garden – a leafy little haven perfect for coffee and cake. We’re proudly dog- and child-friendly, so bring the whole crew and make yourself at home.

The Spire Rooms

Spire Rooms is our collection of warm, characterful spaces available to hire in the heart of Bury St Edmunds. Open to all, but especially suited to wellbeing, creative, and community-focused use – including therapy, workshops, and meetings. As part of our ethical hire model, a percentage of every booking goes directly to support local community projects.

Community Projects

From free meals through Nourish to Saturday morning drop-ins like Sophie’s Anchor, we create warm, welcoming spaces for connection, support, and community – all fuelled by kindness, local partnerships, and shared food.

Workshops & Activities

We host a range of creative, practical, and social workshops designed to bring people together and spark new skills – from wreath making and crafts to hands-on skill-sharing sessions. Whether you’re here to try something new or just fancy a natter while making, there’s always a seat at the table.

Fundraising Events

From live music nights and seasonal celebrations to community fun days, our events are all about bringing people together. They’re a chance to raise both spirits and support, with all proceeds going back into the projects that keep our community thriving.

Volunteer Opportunities

We offer welcoming, flexible roles for people of all ages and backgrounds to give back, gain experience, and get involved. However you’d like to help, there’s a place for you in our community.