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She wanted to switch off from the world, but then she decided to make a difference
On Huddersfield Road, a lifeline has been created. From outside it might look like any other coffee shop, but speak to the person behind it and you soon realise it’s much more.
Inside She Remains Brave – a new community coffee shop and boutique in Newhey – staff laugh together as they brew fresh cups of coffee. Slices of cake are dished out and workers and customers put the world to rights.
For founder Becky Taylor, it’s exactly what she envisioned. Concerned people didn’t have anywhere to disconnect from phones and engage in meaningful conversations, she set about creating a space for everybody.
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While the cafe is already proving successful, it was born out of a particularly challenging period in Becky’s life. The cafe aims to raise awareness of sexual violence, support survivors and help build a more informed and compassionate community.
Throughout her journey, which involved a serious and traumatic incident, Becky has met survivors, families and individuals who felt isolated, unheard and unsure where to turn after similar experiences. It’s something Becky can relate to. She felt compelled to make a difference in her own community.
Her main aim when opening the doors a few weeks back was to create a welcoming space where people could connect, access information, find support and feel part of a community. It’s something she was desperate for during the last few years.
“I was heartbroken, I didn’t know what to do,” Becky recalls of her last few years. “I felt so alone and lonely, I couldn’t talk to anybody around me. I switched off from the world. But that’s when I thought ‘what can I do to make a difference?’”.
Over the last few months, with the support of family, friends and local businesses, Becky and her team of volunteers have transformed an empty shop into a thriving community space.
Alongside coffee and light refreshments, they provide a space for local makers and small businesses to showcase their products, while also offering a welcoming environment where people can access information, support and connection.
Shelves lined with handmade cards, keychains, teddy bears and candle melts – all made and produced by local people – sit next to vital resources from organisations like Andy’s Man Club and The Maggie Oliver Foundation, giving customers, visitors and anyone needing someone to talk to an opportunity to do so.
“I wanted to know how I could give back to people that have helped, and every shelf is a different person of business and we’re supporting them, because they support us. I love what we are building here.”
Becky continues to work alongside organisations supporting survivors and families affected by sexual violence, including The Maggie Oliver Foundation, and remains committed to raising awareness and advocating for positive change.
“The safe space we have created is not just [about] trauma and sexual assault, but I’m advocating for that in the background to get laws changed,” continues Becky.
“You could have lost someone, be going through something so terrible but as a human being when we ask ‘are you okay?’. It’s a thin question, nobody really cares, nobody talks anymore. We need to bring back communication. We’re doing that here.”
To ensure that people felt visible and able to connect, Becky has made sure the kitchen is a focal point so customers can engage directly with staff. Similarly, to ensure it’s open to all, she has kept the costs low so there’s an affordable option for everybody.
On the menu there’s a range of toasties from £3.50, plus jacket potatoes at the same price and with a number of topping options. They also serve omelettes with salad or baked beans, plus soup, sandwiches and salad bowls.
Many pop in for a brew, cake and a good chat, so their meal deal (£3) for a hot drink and a cake is catering for that. There’s also a children’s menu, plus a selection of freshly made baked goods.
Becky has used her life savings to bring She Remains Brave to life, something that not everybody could understand when she first set out to create the space. But now, many can see how important the space is for them and the community.
“My husband said to me ‘I always felt like this place was meant to be here,’ and a lot of others have said that too. I’d never felt so lonely in my life, but here, I feel more confident now.”
While they can’t expand the food and drink options too much without the extraction fan, the landlord has bought the building, meaning they can grow She Remains Brave in the months to come. This will ensure they have more spaces for counselling sessions, community groups and any activity that will support the community.
“This is the way I’ve coped, it’s my coping mechanism. I can make a difference now.”
She Remains Brave, 5 Huddersfield Rd, Newhey, Rochdale OL16 3RU
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