A new community cafe which acts as a safe haven for local children has been launched in the Tanhouse area of Skelmersdale.
The café is run by a dedicated team of volunteers and encourages local children to take part in a variety of activities whilst learning about healthy eating.
The eight month project is being led by local youth officer, PCSO Stephen Edmond, and was launched to give young people a place to go.
A number of local groups have also supported the café including SAY (Skelmersdale Action for Youth), Oaks Church, TAG (Tanhouse Action Group), Cosmopolitan Housing Group and the Countryside Rangers.
Officers are appealing for community volunteers to help staff the cafe and are urging local businesses to sponsor the project.
PCSO Edmond said: “This is an extremely worthwhile project. Not only does it give local children something to do, but it helps to break down barriers between the younger and older members of the community.
“Since the opening last month, we have seen an average of 30 children come to the café each week and the older volunteers have been delighted by the response.
“We really need more volunteers to help keep the cafe running and I urge anyone who wants to get involved to contact us.”
Local councillor Nikki Hennessey also paid a visit to the cafe to see some of the work taking place.
She said: “It’s fantastic to see the community centre alive with such a brilliant activity. The kids are helping each other, playing nice and the food looks really nice. It’s a credit to the volunteers’ who are running the cafe.”
One of the volunteers added: “I can’t believe it, after months of hard work it’s finally opened and what a fantastic start to the cafe. The children have been great, they cleared the tables and helped tidy away at the end of the night.”
The café is based in the Tanhouse Community Centre on Ennerdale is open daily between 5pm till 7pm.
Anyone wanting to volunteer or sponsor the project can contact PCSO Edmond on 01695 566051.
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