At Grainery Care we believe no one in Newcastle should ever have to go without support or a good meal.
From our Food Hub in Mayfield we provide affordable fresh food packs during the week for people on Centrelink, pensions, student support, or low incomes. If things get really tough we can also offer crisis groceries, referrals, and other practical help.
But Grainery Care is more than just food. We are here to listen, share a cuppa, and walk alongside people as they find their feet again. Everyone is welcome, no matter their background or circumstance, and we aim to make sure every person feels respected, valued, and part of the community.
If you or someone you know could use a bit of extra support we would love you to drop in. Our doors are open and you will always be met with a warm smile and a helping hand.
Who ARE WE
Grainery Care is a registered charity and community support organisation based in Mayfield that works across the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland regions. Its core purpose is to provide practical, emotional and community-based support to people who are experiencing hardship, isolation or disadvantage. In short we aim to provide, 'Life in all its fullness
Cafe 252
Cafe 252 is a community café located at 252 Maitland Road, Mayfield, NSW, and is part of the broader Grainery Care charity hub in Newcastle.
It’s not just a typical café — it’s run as a social enterprise where the focus is on community support as much as coffee and food.
The café offers:
Quality coffee and café-style drinks
Simple breakfast and lunch options for dine-in or takeaway
A welcoming space for locals to connect and socialise
A “pay it forward” system where customers can pre-purchase meals or drinks for someone in need
What makes Cafe 252 unique is that all proceeds help fund Grainery Care’s charity programs, including food relief, crisis support, and community outreach services across the Newcastle region.
It also regularly hosts or supports community activities such as craft mornings, support gatherings, and informal meetups, making it feel more like a community hub than a standard café.
The atmosphere is intentionally inclusive and relaxed — it’s designed so anyone can walk in, have a coffee, feel welcome, and potentially access support if they need it.
food hub
The Food Hub at Grainery Care in Mayfield is a community-based food relief grocery service designed to support people experiencing financial stress across Newcastle and surrounding areas.
It operates from the Grainery Care Centre at 2 Roe St, Mayfield, and is part of a wider charity hub that also includes Café 252 and other support services.
What the Food Hub provides
Free fresh food packs for people on low incomes (such as Centrelink, pensions, or student payments)
Fresh fruit, vegetables, and pantry staples all FREE
Emergency food relief and crisis grocery packs for people in urgent need
- “Bag of Blessing” and crisis packs designed to support people who are homeless, fleeing domestic violence, or unable to afford food
How it supports the community
The Food Hub is more than just a place to get groceries — it acts as a first point of support for people struggling in the Newcastle region. Staff and volunteers also help connect people to other services such as housing support, financial assistance, and counselling referrals when needed.
Why it matters in Newcastle
With rising cost-of-living pressures, the Food Hub helps reduce food insecurity and ensures people can access nutritious food without shame or stigma. It also provides dignity by offering a welcoming environment where people are treated with respect and can get help without judgement.
Health hub
The Health Hub at Grainery Care in Mayfield is a new community health initiative launching in June 2026 as part of the Grainery Care Centre at 2 Roe St, Mayfield.
It is designed to provide accessible, early-stage health support and connection to services for people in Newcastle and surrounding areas who may not be currently engaged with traditional healthcare systems.
What the Health Hub does
Helping people who are not currently registered with or connected to health services
Supporting individuals to begin or re-engage with GPs, clinics, and allied health care
- Providing a welcoming, non-judgemental entry point into the health system
Connecting people to ongoing support such as mental health care, housing support, and community services
The hub is intended to act as a “bridge” service, helping people move from crisis or disengagement into stable, ongoing healthcare relationships.
Why it matters for Newcastle
The Health Hub is particularly important because it supports people who may be:
- experiencing homelessness or housing stress
- dealing with mental health challenges
- facing financial barriers to healthcare
- unsure where to start with accessing services
By offering a simple, local entry point, it helps reduce pressure on emergency departments and ensures people get earlier, preventative care rather than waiting until problems become severe.
In short
The Health Hub is a new community health access point at Grainery Care that will help vulnerable people in Newcastle connect with doctors, services, and ongoing care in a supportive and non-judgemental environment when it launches in June.