'Cosy cafe' opens in Dudley to support community during winter
It's aiming to help the most vulnerable this winter.
A 'cosy cafe' has opened in Dudley to help people struggling during the cost-of-living crisis, as winter sets in.
Based at the DY1 Community Building in Stafford Street, the cafe is a place for individuals and families to get food and drink, have a chat, or simply have time outside of their home, in a warm and friendly environment.
The Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has teamed up with advocacy charity Dudley Voices for Choice and social enterprise Lunch on the Run to launch the cafe.
It will be open every Tuesday and Thursday from 4pm until 6pm throughout the winter.
As well as providing a warm and welcoming space, the Cosy Cafe has created employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autistic people.
Wendy Ewins, Head of Commissioning and Case Management for Learning Disabilities and Autism at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Many people will be struggling as winter hits, so we wanted to create a place that could help to ease some of those difficulties for our communities.
“Not only is the Cosy Cafe offering much-needed support, it is also creating paid work opportunities for our citizens who have learning disabilities or who are autistic. They face significant barriers to access employment, so we hope this opportunity will give them experience and confidence for the future.
“It’s great to work with our partners in Dudley to create the Cosy Cafe and I want to thank the volunteers who have donated their time to help.
“I urge anyone who needs time away from a cold home or simply a friendly face to chat to over a cup of tea, to come along to the Cosy Cafe where you are guaranteed a warm welcome."
The project is also looking for more volunteers to help serve food and drinks and chat with people who come along.