When we started Banter nearly five years ago we had no idea of the amazing community we would build or the amount of people who would come to rely on it and need it. We meet so many amazing people every week, some only pop in for the music or the cake (it is awesome cake)

But for many it is a safe space, a space that they can be themselves, ask for help and support and feel that they aren’t alone or isolated.

From home educator groups, to book clubs and mental health support. It’s easier to say what we don’t do rather than what we do actually do.

But unfortunately the council doesn’t appreciate the community we have built and has decided we are now eligible to pay business rates, a cost that we just can’t cover, I’ve tried to argue it but as always it’s very black and white with them and no matter how they sugar coat it or try and seem supportive they want their money yesterday.

we are stretched to breaking point as it is, we don’t charge for any to access our services and support and with the ongoing cost of rent and rising electricity bills we were struggling, now we are drowning.

I have tried not to post about it and find ways around it but I’m left feeling like I’m not good enough and that I’m failing our community. I don’t want to ask for help, but we can’t do this alone and I’m scared we are going to loose everything if I don’t ask for help.

So this is me, asking for your help to save our community in whatever way you can.

If everyone of our followers could donate £2 we could survive this current tough time.

we know realistically not everyone can afford £2 and we completely appreciate that too, but if you could share, post, donate (every little helps as they say)

we appreciate each and every one of you and everything you do to make this community what it is.