Community café and support centre has secured support from Knutsford Town Council

A community café and support centre serving the most disadvantaged area of Knutsford has secured support from Knutsford Town Council for its core operating costs.

The Welcome provides support, events and access to essential services for all age groups to reduce the impact of people living in crisis, reduce social isolation, improve physical and mental wellbeing, alongside building a strong and vibrant community.  Since its founding in 1997 as a mobile coffee shop it has developed into part of the everyday life of many residents in the St John’s Wood area of Knutsford.

Chief Executive of The Welcome, Nick Sherburn, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to have gained the support of Knutsford Town Council by way of grant funding. Our respective organisations serve the same community, and we are proud that the Council recognises the vital support and services we provide, and our community deserves.

The Town Council is providing a grant of £20,000 to fund the charity’s central premises costs. This enables the charity to focus on securing income for its operational costs and delivering services for the local community.

Advisors at the Welcome provide support five days a week and can give guidance on matters such as employment, benefits, hardship, housing and emergency assistance. The Welcome also hosts the Citizens Advice service once a month, provides a Meals on Wheels service and hosts community activities such as a lunch club, knitting group and coffee mornings. The Welcome also coordinates The Bread and Butter Thing which enables 80 households to access more affordable food every week.

Town Mayor, Cllr Peter Coan said:

“The work The Welcome does for the residents of St John’s Wood ward is fantastic, so we’re only too pleased to be supporting them. From providing advice to those in need, hosting a monthly citizens advice drop in and running a meals on wheels scheme, it’s a busy charity and this grant helps them focus on their service delivery”

Pictured - Cllr Peter Coan with Sarah Pownall, Lucy Beesley and Nick Sherburn of The Welcome.