A NEW community cafe to support people who have been in foster care or residential homes is opening in Redditch’s town centre.

The cafe, on Church Road, will launch at the beginning of May in association with national charity Rees - The Care Leavers Foundation.

It is hoped the site will increase awareness about care leavers and promote fundraising for Rees across Redditch and Worcestershire.

Sarah Saunders and Polly Jones, who will be running the cafe with the support of volunteers, said: “We are both very excited about the opening of the cafe and hope we can make a difference within the local area.

“We hope to provide a local service for the community by increasing awareness about care leavers and promoting fundraising in the local area.

“We look forward to welcoming people to enjoy the café and to get involved in what we do.”

The duo hope to make a difference in the local area to those in need by selling clothing, household essentials and collectables, alongside an array of food and drink in the cafe.

And in due course, it is also hoped the site will also become a hub for future community work in Redditch, including the hosting of food banks, space for hire events, offer apprenticeship schemes for those looking to develop their career, and also offer advice for interview preparations including help on interview techniques and what to wear.

Ahead of its opening next month, the cafe is in need of donations of nearly new clothes, collectable items and volunteers to give their time.

Anyone who can help with donations or is interested in volunteering, or is looking for further information on the types of volunteering and hours required, can email Sarah and Polly on cafe@reesfoundation.org.

The Rees Foundation is based at County Court Buildings in Redditch and offers support to children and adults who have experienced foster care or residential care in England and Wales.