Bovey Tracey Deaf Cafe sparks huge response after launching this summer
The not-for-profit Deaf Cafe has attracted more than 5,000 enquiries since launching in July, with organisers hearing from people across the country
A community Deaf Cafe launched in Bovey Tracey this summer has attracted more than 5,000 emails from people seeking advice or asking about similar projects.
The not-for-profit cafe was launched in July 2026 by 23-year-old Bradley Oliver and his mum Katrina at the Riverside Community Centre.
It provides a social setting for people with hearing loss, while also giving others the opportunity to learn British Sign Language (BSL).
The response since the first cafe has been far greater than the organisers expected, with around 90 per cent of the more than 5,000 enquiries coming from outside the area.
Bradley said they had been contacted by people interested in setting up similar cafes in places including Bournemouth, Lancaster and Belfast.
"We are working on a guidance piece to help others get started which we'll send out as people express interest in deaf cafes across the country," he said.
The project has also attracted national attention, after footage from the July cafe was broadcast by the BBC.
Central Devon MP Sir Mel Stride has also asked to visit to see the project for himself.
The cafe was inspired by an encounter at the Makers Gift Market, which Bradley runs at the Riverside Community Centre.
Bradley and Katrina were trying to speak to a young customer interested in their laser-cut crafts when they were told she was deaf and only knew sign language.
They decided to pay for their own BSL lessons, and the experience led to the idea for a regular cafe.
"We have disabilities in our own family and know how important it is that everyone is included," Bradley said.
The cafe's next scheduled sessions are on Friday, 2 October and Friday, 6 November, from 1pm to 3pm at the Riverside Community Centre.
Entry and refreshments are free, although a £2 donation is suggested.
Bradley said the response to the cafe had shown there was significant interest in improving inclusion both locally and further afield.
"We'd be delighted to welcome Sir Mel Stride to the Deaf Café and show him what we're building here in Bovey Tracey," he said.