Former Swiss Police Chief Opens Innovative Social Café in Bern

In a remarkable career transition, Nicoletta della Valle, the former head of Switzerland's Federal Office of Police, is embarking on an innovative social enterprise venture. After years of dealing with high-stakes law enforcement challenges including mafia and terrorist organizations, della Valle has chosen to channel her leadership skills into a unique community-focused project in Bern.

'Sempre Berna', located in Bern's vibrant Mattenhof neighbourhood, represents a revolutionary approach to community service. The establishment combines a traditional café setting with accessible professional counseling services. Set to open in mid-October 2025, the café embodies della Valle's philosophy that retirement should be about continued contribution to society. 'Suddenly chilling out is not for me,' she states, highlighting her commitment to remaining active in community service.

At the heart of 'Sempre Berna's' innovative concept is a network of 50 volunteer experts, comprising retired professionals from legal, theological, and psychological backgrounds. These experts will provide free counseling services to café visitors, offering assistance with various practical needs such as job application writing and understanding complex administrative documents. This unique approach creates an informal, accessible environment for community members to seek professional guidance while enjoying quality coffee.

The establishment of 'Sempre Berna' represents a significant addition to Bern's social infrastructure, particularly in the Mattenhof area. By combining hospitality with professional support services, the café creates a new model for community engagement and support. This initiative comes at a crucial time when access to professional services and community support is increasingly important in Swiss society. The project demonstrates how retired professionals can continue contributing their expertise to benefit the local community.