Denehurst House Café in Rochdale Provides Support for Veterans

Denehurst House, a 19th-century manor located on Denehurst Park Road in Rochdale, has been transformed into a café run entirely by former military personnel. This initiative aims to provide a supportive space for veterans to connect and share their experiences.

Lucy Traynor, the café's manager and wife of co-director Wayne, was inspired to establish the café after witnessing the challenges her husband faced following his military service. Wayne, who suffered temporary blindness due to an injury, has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which has significantly impacted their daily life.

Lucy Traynor stated that Denehurst House offers ex-service personnel "somewhere to talk, somewhere they feel safe, somewhere people will listen and understand." The café has been operational for the past year and has become a vital resource for veterans seeking community support.

Denehurst House had been vacant for decades before its renovation. The café not only serves food and drinks but also acts as a hub for veterans to receive emotional support and camaraderie. As the café continues to grow, it aims to expand its services to better assist those who have served in the armed forces.