A Suffolk charity that supports the most isolated villages while offering coffee has reached its 20th year of public service.
The Rural Coffee Caravan was founded by The Revd Cannon Sally Fogden MBE, to improve wellbeing and connect communities where there was often no hall or other meeting place, shop, pub or public amenities.
The level of rural isolation and demand for support from the outset resulted in the charity quickly needing to scale up and invest in additional caravans. 
Up to date, there are three campervans and one caravan that have visited more than three hundred and fifty villages, plus dozens of country fairs and other popular rural events.
The charity’s network counts almost one hundred volunteers and partnerships with many other charities, community groups, and support agencies across the region.
The Rural Coffee Caravan has already helped thousands of people make friends, volunteer in their community, remain living independently, or gain access to welfare benefits, information, and other specialist services.
Rural Coffee Caravan founder Sally Fogden said: "Originally, I had hoped the Rural Coffee Caravan might be a quick-win solution to the issue of rural isolation.
"I had no idea that 20 years later the charity would be offering this wide range of support to people of all ages and backgrounds.
"Now we need an entire network of volunteers in addition to the original staff. Whether your skills are baking or driving, listening or organising, we will find a suitable role for you!"
The CEO of the charity, Ann Osborn, added: "Whilst it’s no cause for celebration that rural isolation still exists, what we can celebrate is how a micro-charity like Rural Coffee Caravan has survived for 20 years and expanded, thanks to incredibly generous funders and supporters.
"We still managed to look out for vulnerable isolated people throughout the Covid pandemic lockdowns, and this winter we mapped every Warm Space across Suffolk so that people struggling to afford to heat their home could still stay safe, warm and socially connected."
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