If I said the word community… what would it mean to you? For me, it can mean anything—a friendship circle, a hobby group, or even a mental health support network. But what about a community of strangers united by a love for cars, automotive culture, and conversation?

My partner recently introduced me to Caffeine & Machine, and what I discovered there warmed my heart—not just as someone observing car culture, but as the founder of As Light As A Feather Counselling, based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, noticing the power of human connection.

A Place for Everyone

I’ll admit upfront: I know very little about cars. To my partner and his dad’s amusement, my expertise goes as far as, “Oh, that colour would make a fantastic nail polish.” But I do understand people, and I recognise what makes a community thrive.

Caffeine & Machine is more than a car community in the UK. It’s a welcoming space for people who sometimes find it hard to connect, as well as for those who simply love cars. Conversations often start with cars, but they frequently grow into something deeper—friendships are formed, bonds strengthened, and emotional burdens shared and halved.

This mirrors what I strive for in my work at As Light As A Feather Counselling: creating spaces where people feel safe, accepted, and heard, allowing them to express themselves without judgement.

The Roots of Caffeine & Machine

Founded by Phil McGovern and Dan Macken in 2015, Caffeine & Machine started with a simple vision: to bring car enthusiasts together in a way that breaks down barriers and celebrates inclusion.

The Hill in Warwickshire opened in 2018 and has since become an iconic location for automotive culture. Surrounded by greenery, it’s a place to wander, relax, and recharge. Whether you want to soak up the sun or retreat to the fab on-site teepee, it’s designed for comfort and connection.

Since then, Caffeine & Machine has expanded with two further venues: The Bowl and The Hut, each carrying the same ethos of community, connection, and shared passion for cars and machinery.

I Love You, Man: A Safe Space for Men

Phil noticed that mental health, especially in men, was becoming a growing concern. In response, he created I Love You, Man, a monthly event offering a safe, unrecorded space where men can share openly, listen, and simply exist without judgement.

While I haven’t personally attended, it’s easy to imagine that attendees leave feeling lighter, understood, and supported—mirroring the trust and acceptance I cultivate in my counselling work. This event embodies many person-centred counselling principles: empathy, unconditional positive regard, and the creation of a safe, non-judgemental space. People can speak, or just listen—they can be vulnerable without fear.

Feels Like Home

After visiting The Hill a couple of times, as we drove away, we both said it “feels like home”—not knowing that it’s actually one of Caffeine & Machine’s slogans. The feeling was undeniable: hundreds of people come each day and leave feeling safe, seen, and connected.

In counselling terms, this is exactly the type of therapeutic home I aim to create at As Light As A Feather Counselling—a safe space where trust is established, and people can be themselves, free of masks or pretences.

Community and Counselling: A Shared Philosophy

Community is at the heart of both Caffeine & Machine and counselling. Like a counselling room, the venues foster trust, safety, and presence. Their mission says it best:

“…a place to enjoy wonderful food and drink, soak up an ever-eclectic display of brilliant machinery, and above all else, come be around friends…”
“We seek to break down barriers, encourage conversation and discovery.”

Being part of this community is therapeutic in itself: sharing, listening, and connecting all contribute to mental health and emotional well-being. It demonstrates how supportive spaces in everyday life—even outside a counselling room—can nurture mental health support.

More Than Just Cars

While my partner admired the eclectic mix of old and new vehicles, I noticed the human side: strangers connecting, stories shared, laughter, and new friendships forming. People who might normally struggle to engage with others found themselves part of something bigger.

And of course, the food and drink are amazing: homemade pizzas, loaded fries, poke bowls, and the weekend BBQ tray (chef’s kiss), all washed down with the famous Hawkstone lager. Community nourishes both body and mind.

Be Your Own Pace Car

Caffeine & Machine proudly declare, “We Are The Pace Car.” They set the tempo for culture, community, and conversations around the things we love that move.

But that message is also for us personally. To me, it means: be your own pace car. Set your rhythm, follow your flow, and lead your journey. Slow down when you need to, regroup, and move forward again. That’s what feels like home—and it’s the same philosophy I bring to every session at As Light As A Feather Counselling.

Support and Links

If reading this resonates and you feel you could benefit from counselling, I’m here to support you at As Light As A Feather Counselling. Whether you’re navigating mental health challenges, feeling isolated, or simply need someone to listen, you can reach out via the links on my website. Safe, confidential, and supportive spaces exist to help you be heard, understood, and valued.

For more about the Caffeine & Machine community and events: Caffeine & Machine
Learn more about the origins of their mental health initiative: I Love You, Man – An Origin Story
Additional men’s mental health support can be found at: Andy’s Man Club

Take Care, Nicole