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A new café aiming to raise money for a local disability charity, and host regular afternoon teas for those who lost their homes in the Pier Road explosion, has opened at Havre des Pas.
Based in the new Edinburgh House block at the end of Green Street, Jersey Cheshire Home's new café will be open on weekdays from 08:00 to 14:00 and on Saturdays from 08:00 to 17:00, serving hot drinks, cakes, snacks and hot lunches.
The charity is the only residential care facility in the island providing 24-hour care for disabled people who are no longer able to live independently.
Donna Abel, chief executive of Jersey Cheshire Home, said some of those staffing the café would be volunteers from among the residents, working alongside able-bodied people, and said: "One of the great benefits is that it will provide a new purpose for some of our residents.
"And it will raise the profile of what we do, with a massive sign in front!"
The premises will also be available for hire outside the café opening hours and Ms Abel said she hoped other charities and care providers might be able to use them.
"It's a really fantastic space, and its whole purpose is to bring different members of the community together," she explained.
"That's why there are no single tables, only large ones."
The charity worked with the building's owners, social housing provider Andium Homes, to prepare for it to open as a café.
It also received crockery and utensils from Macmillan Jersey, whose own coffee shop in Burrard Street closed at the end of November.
Ms Abel added that the café planned to host regular afternoon teas for some of those who lost their homes in last December's gas explosion at Haut du Mont.
Ahead of the official opening today, the charity welcomed members of the Cheshire Home "family" for drinks and food at the new venue.
It comes as the charity is stepping up its fundraising efforts this year, having launched a new 'Pint for a Purpose' initiative.
"It doesn’t have to cost the earth to support our islanders living with disabilities. By donating the cost of your favourite weekly tipple, you can make a huge difference. A monthly donation of £25 would help us improve the lives of our islanders living with disabilities," the charity explained.
You can support Jersey Cheshire Home by making a donation HERE.
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