New community group for quieter people set to start in Cubert this October

A new fortnightly meet-up designed for quieter people is set to launch in Cubert next month following the success of this summer's HushFest.

The Quiet Connections Meet Up will begin on Thursday, October 1, at St Cubert Church and is aimed at people who identify as quiet, introverted, highly sensitive or shy, as well as those who experience social anxiety.

Taking place every other Thursday from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, the free gatherings will offer a relaxed and welcoming space where people can connect with others at their own pace.

The new group has emerged following HushFest, Cornwall's Festival of Quietness, which was held in July. St Cubert Church, part of the Celtic Quiet Places network, served as one of the festival's main venues, hosting an exhibition, creative workshops and the festival's opening celebration.

Local volunteers played a key role throughout the week, helping to welcome visitors and support activities. By the end of the festival, discussions were already underway about creating a more permanent community offering in Cubert.

Among those involved was Wendy Barritt, who helped host HushFest at the church.

Reflecting on the event, she described hosting the exhibition and concert as "a joy" and said Quiet Connections had become well known within the village.

She said: "There is also the possibility of starting a group for the Newquay area in the church, and that would be a great outcome - watch this space!"

Since the festival, Wendy has brought together a local team to help establish the new Meet Up, with plans receiving support from St Cubert Church's Parochial Church Council.

Speaking about the launch, she said: "St Cubert Church has its own atmosphere of peace and tranquillity and the workshops during the HushFest exhibition thrived in the quiet surroundings.

"Starting a Meet Up group here seemed like the perfect opportunity to offer hospitality and refreshment to the wider community - in a very quiet way!"

Organisers say there is no pressure for visitors to take part in any activities. Attendees can enjoy a chat over a cup of tea, join an optional creative activity, bring along a book or personal project, or simply spend quiet time alongside others.

The group's ethos is straightforward: "It's okay to talk and it's okay to be quiet too."

The Cubert Meet Up will join Quiet Connections' established network of regular gatherings across Cornwall and online. The organisation's regular Meet Up programme is supported by The National Lottery Community Fund.

Although it is held at St Cubert Church, organisers stress that the Meet Up is not a religious group and has no faith element.

There is no need to book in advance, although people are welcome to register beforehand if they would like to introduce themselves or ask questions before attending.

The Meet Up will initially run on a fortnightly basis, with organisers saying it could become a weekly event if there is sufficient local interest.

Event Details

First Meet Up: Thursday, October 1, 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Then: Every other Thursday, 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Venue: St Cubert Church, 1 Churchtown, Cubert, Newquay, TR8 5EZ

Cost: Free

Booking: Not required

More information: quietconnections.co.uk/cubert

Organisers note that St Cubert Church is not currently wheelchair accessible. Further details about accessibility, parking and public transport are available on the Quiet Connections website.

About Quiet Connections

Quiet Connections CIC is a Cornwall-based community organisation supporting people who identify as quiet, introverted, highly sensitive or shy, or who experience social anxiety. The organisation runs regular meet-ups, creative activities and online gatherings across Cornwall, helping people build confidence and meaningful social connections in welcoming, low-pressure environments.