New cafe opens for a very special reason

The Salvation Army is launching a new café for the Bury community in a bid to end loneliness and isolation.

The café will launch on Tuesday, June 25 at The Salvation Army’s church and community centre on Brookshaw Street in Bury at 11am and will run until 2pm.

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Serving hot and cold refreshments for just 50p, the café aims to combat the cost-of-living crisis that many people are still facing in the community as well as combatting loneliness and improving people’s wellbeing.

Captain Cor van der Woude, church leader of The Salvation Army in Bury said: “We wanted to create a safe and friendly place for people to meet, build friendships, find new opportunities and above all feel relaxed and welcome.

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“We know that following the pandemic and with the pressures of the cost-of-living still raging on people are continuing to live in challenging times and that can make people feel lonely and isolated.

“With prices set at just fifty pence, the café is an affordable option for all.

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“Our doors will be open every week for everyone in the community to enjoy a relaxing refreshment, a chit chat among new and existing friends, or just a sit down and a read of a good book or to do a puzzle.

“It really is a café for the whole community.”

The café will be run by a team of volunteers and church leaders will be available to provide practical support for people who may be struggling.