CREWKERNE residents can connect with one another and meet new people at a new weekly chat café launching later this month.  

The free chat café, Open Doors, is part of the group’s effort to create a new community centre in the town.  

Chair of Crewkerne Community Kitchen, who set up the initiative, Michael Fox, said: “We want this to be a warm welcoming community centre open to anyone, offering a wide range of activities, from wellbeing to art workshops and after school clubs.  

“It would add a new dimension to existing facilities, and feature a community-run café serving good value food, made using local ingredients, and including some saved from landfill.” 

The 90-minute free session, the first of which is taking place at 3.30pm on September 18 at Bilby’s Café, is supported by a professional wellbeing and recovery worker from the Somerset Open Mental Health Network. Crewkerne Health Centre is also backing the project. 

Mr Fox added: “We’re excited to be able to start this new project which provides a space for anyone to pop in pop in for a drink and have a chance for a friendly chat with someone.   

“There’s a wellness worker at the sessions who can provide support and ideas to help them. 

“We are also looking for a sponsor for the sessions, so we can offer a big discount on the price of drinks bought at the café.  

“We would put their name on all our posters and online publicity – so if you are involved in a local business please get in touch!” 

CCK has set up a new website – www.opendoorssomerset.org.uk – it will be updated regularly with news about their activities and progress in finding a home.