A NATIONWIDE community network is opening a new café and warm hub in Ellesmere Port. 

Lucinda Golightly, 33, from Southport and Louise Raby, 39, from Ellesmere Port set up The Cupboard Network Ellesmere Port in 2021.

The Cupboard Network operates nationwide, from Southport in Sefton, Ellesmere Port, Chester and Elton in Cheshire, Wrexham in North Wales and Yeovil in Somerset.

With a focus on sustainable living, the war on food waste, and food poverty, Lucinda and Louise began offering completely free food to the community via their self-service “cupboards”.

The service is anonymous, and available to everyone and after identifying a gap in available services in the area, Lucinda and Louise set forth to ensure no family ever goes hungry.

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Speaking to the Globe, Lucinda said: "Many working families find themselves in temporary hardship and are not eligible for support from local councils, or foodbanks which often have strict criteria for access.

"The Cupboard Network fills this critical gap in services. They do not “means test” and operate entirely judgement-free."

Tomorrow (Wednesday, March 1) The Cupboard Network will open The Table Community Café and Warm Hub at the United Reformed Church in Ellesmere Port for the first time.

Wirral Globe: Inside the new café Inside the new café (Image: Steve Judson)

The Table Community Café will serve free hot and cold food, tea, coffee, soft drinks, pastries, cakes and more. 

Citizen’s Advice will be there to offer much-needed support, and there is a baby and toddler corner for parents to bring their children.

Lucinda added: "The Table is a welcoming and inviting safe place for anyone to come along and enjoy the refreshments and good company."

The Table Community Café will be open every Wednesday 12pm-4pm, and Sunday sessions will be confirmed soon.

For more information, visit here.

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