Café Palais at Alexandra Palace is among 10 community groups set to receive a Haringey Loneliness Award as part of this year’s ‘Loneliness Awareness Week’ (15-21 June 2026).
The awards, organised by Haringey Reach and Connect, recognise groups, organisations and individuals who contribute to tackling loneliness and social isolation in Haringey, through their compassion, innovation, support and outreach.
The third annual celebration and award ceremony will take place on Monday 15 June 2026 at Transmitter Hall, Alexandra Palace.
This year’s theme is ‘supporting people with dementia and their carers’ by building positive social connections and reducing loneliness.
Among the recipients is Café Palais, a monthly event created by Alexandra Palace’s Creative Learning Programme in January 2023. Styled as a 1920s-themed café, it offers artistic activities, entertainment and refreshments for older people, people living dementia, and their carers.
Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust exists to safeguard Alexandra Palace and Park for public benefit, ensuring everyone can enjoy, learn from and feel connected to the ‘People’s Palace.’ Through its Creative Learning Programme, the Trust delivers year-round free and low-cost activities that support well-being, develop skills and confidence, reduce social isolation and create opportunities for local people of all ages to connect, learn and thrive.
Many projects are delivered in partnership with local organisations and tailored to the needs of specific communities. Each year, the Creative Learning Programme engages more than 13,000 people, including 2,000 older residents and people living with dementia and their carers. Fundraising and charitable support help make these projects possible.
“We invite people to try something new and take part in different experiences, a chance to get dressed up, socialise, and have something in the calendar each month to look forward to” says Jen Blackwood, Creative Learning Producer, Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust.
“Café Palais brings a little glitz and glamour with new activities every month, from cabaret performances and dancing, to jazz, pottery, art workshops and more. We’re absolutely thrilled to be recognised by Reach and Connect, especially alongside so many other exceptional groups, organisations and individuals.”
Following the awards, a week of activities across Haringey will highlight the importance of talking about loneliness, reducing the stigma that surrounds it, and encourage people to support each other. Further information is available through Kissing it Better’s Haringey Calendar.
Community Connector, Ashley Grey from Haringey Reach and Connect adds; “Haringey Reach and Connect is commissioned by Haringey Council to support residents age 50+ to live happier, healthier lives. Many of our referrals involve people experiencing loneliness or social isolation, so we developed Loneliness Awareness Week in Haringey, to reduce the stigma of talking about it and inspire conversation and communication. These Awards recognise the valuable, innovative work being done in our community and celebrate the joy of togetherness!”
