Not-for-profit cafe puts users on road to recovery
ACOMMUNITY cafe in Widnes which raises money to feed people in need has officially been opened by the mayor.
Cllr Mark Dennett did the honours at The Kitchen Table cafe in what marked the culmination of several years’ of hard work by those involved.
The cafe is a not-for-profit business which was launched as a breakfast club in 2017 by a volunteer, serving those who might not be able to feed themselves. It expanded to provide a three course meal every Friday which cost only a donation.
The cafe was set up by Change Grow Live, drug and alcohol treatment provider, to help former addicts back on the road to recovery and proved to be a big success.
As lockdown came to an end, many people said that the cafe was one of the things they missed, and those behind the scheme decided to open full time.
With the support of Public Health England and the police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, it has invested in a full-time manager and a top-of-the-range espresso machine.
The cafe is now open to the whole community, with profits going back into helping those who need it most.
After the mayor officially launched the cafe, which is based at Aston Dane House on Waterloo Road, he had the chance to meet staff and volunteers.
Charlotte Roberts, Change Grow Live Halton service manager, said: “We’re pleased that the mayor was able to join us to celebrate the launch of our wonderful cafe, The Kitchen Table.
“The cafe has become a pivotal part of our service, with service users, partnerships and wider community enjoying the space and wonderful food.
“Our cafe lead works incredibly hard to ensure that regardless of individual personal circumstances, each person is able to enjoy a meal and connect with others for conversation and support.
“We have also been able to offer invaluable opportunities for individuals to volunteer their time, to help our cafe stay open and expand and in turn, gaining skills and training for their own personal development.”
Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9am-2pm.