We have been in existence since April 2012, and in that year, and for more than 10 years after, we were able to operate a working kitchen, giving a full cafeteria service to the building’s staff, and to the general public, at reasonable prices.

We have always offered a range of courses and workshops for both adults and children, and for all abilities. We have also offered the chance to train and develop skills to help with securing work. We had paid staff during those years, but now we operate on the great auspices of our small army of volunteers.

COVID affected our services in the same way as it did for the rest of the UK. We had to close down our services during lockdown, but brought into being the Food Train, using volunteers to collect food, pack it and distribute it, along with services such as Post Office and pharmacy runs, and friendly telephone calls to help defeat the isolation that some suffered. When we reopened, it was short-lived because of mounting energy and salary bills. We hope that somewhere in the future we will make use of our kitchen facilities once more and be able to manage to pay salaried staff. We do some special events such as Christmas meals where we do cook, but these are funded by grants and managed with a group of volunteers. We help to fund the Food Train by retailing goods, mainly food, at bargain prices. We call this service the Market Tables.

We are based in the Community Enterprise Centre at Holmescarr. That came into being when the Middle School closed down in 2002. The library is also based there as is the Baptist church, a nursery and a variety of Council services. That proximity to Council staff means we can offer a range of support ourselves, but also by connecting with them.

The cafe area seats 32, with a library of books to loan, swap or buy, and plenty of games, jigsaws, toys, and colouring activities. We allow bringing in your own food so you can have brunch or lunch with company around you. Carers often bring their charges into do just that.