Who We Are

Cuppa Squad founded in Birmingham in 2015, but its roots go back much further. Our founder, Kate Walker, was working alongside the NHS running long term health education groups when she witnessed first-hand the power of people living with long term health conditions coming, share, and support one another.

It became clear that something was missing.. a safe, welcoming where that support could cotinue beyond formal sessions. From that insight, Cuppa Squad was born. Today, Cuppa Squad run 10 community groups across Birmingham, delivering regular monthly sessions were people living with long term health conditions can come together to chat, share experiences, ask questions and support one another in a relaxed, non-judgemental environment.

Over the years, Cuppa Squad has grown into a thriving network of well-attended community groups across Birmingham and beyond, welcoming adults and children of all ages. Eacg roup is built on the same foundations of compassion, connection and care, offering a supportive space where people living with long term health conditions can feel understood and supported.

For over a decade, Cuppa Squad has established itself as a unique and trusted charity, wellcomed by thousands of individuals, families and communities. We support adults and children living with long term health challenges, alongside those with other complex support needs.

We have the history, the knowledge and the team and, we have communities who need our help.

Again and again, people would say, “I wish we could keep meeting like this.” That sparked an idea – to create a safe, welcoming space for ongoing support – and that became Cuppa Squad.

What started as a small monthly meetup with a few regulars has grown into something much bigger across many communities in Birmingham. Cuppa Squad now run regular groups sessions where people living with long term health conditions can come together to chat, share experiences, ask questions, and support one another – all over a cuppa and for free.

Cuppa Squad`s aim has always been simple: to make living with a long term health condition just a little easier.

We’ve seen fantastic engagement over the years, with many people joining us through referrals from local GP surgeries, social prescribing teams and word of mouth–proof that the need for peer-led support is real and growing.

The feedback we receive is heart-warming. People tell us they love the groups – not only for the practical information they gain but also for the chance to meet others who truly understand what living with a long term health condition feels like. For many, it’s the first time they’ve felt less alone with their condition.

Where We Are Now

Today, Cuppa Squad has grown into a thriving network of monthly groups sessions across Birmingham, which are well attended from many age groups and built on the same foundation of compassion, connection, and care. Each group is a space where people living with long term health condition can share, learn, and feel supported – without judgement, and always over a warm cuppa and a friendly chat.

The Future

Over the last ten years Cuppa Squad has established itself as a somewhat unique charity that has been welcomed in the community by thousands of people who have long term health conditions and it`s not only adults, but many children also suffer in the same way.

There are many long term health conditions that we live with and with the foundations that we have built at Cuppa Squad the charity now want to offer the same support and care to the growing number of people in Birmingham with long term health conditions, many of which can be related to diabetes.

We have the history, we have the knowledge, we have the team, and we have many people in our communities who need our help.

Transition

To reach our aims and objectives Cuppa Squad are in a transition that will give the charity confidence to deliver and ensure that we can make an even greater difference and serve our mission more effectively, we have made the strategic decision to restructure our operations. This is not a change in our commitment to our supporter, their families but rather an enhancement of how we deliver on that promise.

Our goal is to improve our overall efficiency, reach others with long term health conditions, expand our groups and make sure that we keep our promise to those in our community, in achieving our shared goals.

The restructuring involves, inviting not only those who live with long term health conditions but offering our support to many others who are living with a long term health condition.

Our Challenge

Despite our success, our biggest challenge remains sustainable funding. Running monthly groups comes with growing costs – for venues, materials, refreshments, and travel. We also face challenges with marketing and outreach, meaning there are still many people out there who would benefit from Cuppa Squad but haven’t yet found us.

With the right support, we can reach even more people, expand into new areas, and continue to make life with long term health conditions that little bit easier – for everyone who needs it.

This is why Cuppa Squad, supporting those living with long term health conditions, became a charity. It is essential that funds can be raised to continue to grow the organisation into the future.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Cuppa Squad

As the number of people living with long term health conditions continues to rise and the NHS faces increasing pressure. Cuppa Squad offers a powerful, low-cost solution rooted in prevention, education, and peer support.

- Grow and strengthen our existing groups, offering more structured education sessions, guest speakers, and tailored resources

- Expand our reach beyond Birmingham, launching new groups across the wider West Midlands to meet growing demand in underserved communities

- Raise awareness through our work by partnering with other charities, attending community events, and speaking at local health forums

- Work alongside healthcare professionals to further integrate Cuppa Squad into social prescribing pathways

- Position ourselves as a prevention partner, supporting early intervention and reducing long-term complications and hospital admissions

To make this vision a reality, support from government bodies and local health services is vital – both in terms of funding and signposting patients to our groups. With the right backing, we can continue to grow a proven model that not only improves lives but also reduces strain on NHS services.

Testimonials

“Your service has been invaluable to me in my role as a Social Prescribing Link Worker in the past, I have struggled to know where best to signpost patients, but your support has given me confindence and clarity. I know i have reffered many people to you, and I am also pleased to have connected you with other local services.”

Sharon Mullard, Social Prescribing Link Worker, The Active Wellbeing Society

"This group is incredibly supportive for both new and experienced parents of children with type 1 diabetes. It offers a safe, non-judgemental space during challenging times and allows parents to share practical tips, advice, and encouragement with one another.

Rebecca Spiteri

“The Cuppa Squad has been a life live for many of the participants at St Martin's. Having someone to sit with, talk to, and offer life-changing advice that is relevant to their individual curcumstances has been incredibly valuable.”

Debbie Tye, Community Development Worker

St Martin's Social Care Project, Place of Welcome, St Martin's Church Centre, (B23)

“The meetings, along with the support team and other people with simmilar experiences have helped me better understand the effects on my body and given me a greater confidence in managing them.”

Jan