Norwich church launches new community cafe 

A Norwich church has launched a new community café to tackle loneliness and the cost of living crisis.

Witard Road Baptist Church, on the edge of the Heartsease Estate, is opening the café on December 1 and it will be open every Thursday and Friday from 10am until 2pm in the neighbouring church hall.

It will provide a place for people to meet with affordable food and drink on offer and on the first week there will be 50pc off the menu.

There will be hot and cold drinks, paninis, jacket potatoes, bacon rolls, homemade cakes and scones.

Church pastor Steve Thomasson said: “We have appointed two café managers Stuart and Claire supported by volunteers from the church. In addition to offering a warm space and food at affordable prices we have created a community fund. This is so that we can offer anyone in need of a blanket/hat and gloves and ‘Just for you’ bags which contain personal hygiene products. We hope we can be a blessing to our community in these challenging times.”

Manager Stuart Budden, said: "In the current climate it will provide a warm space to help tackle loneliness and isolation and we already have a food bank on a Monday. It is all non-profit and we want to make a difference in the local community." 

www.witardroadbaptist.org

Pictured above are the Witard Road Community Café team - front (L-R) Stuart, Mike, Pat, Claire, John, back (L-R) Jenny and Richard.