A new community focussed café that offers creative workshops and showcases will be opening later this month.

Called ‘The Creative Cup’, it is a not-for-profit social enterprise (CIC) that will open on Cleator Moor’s High Street in the old Deja Brew building on October 31.

They will be having a ‘say hello’ day on October 24 for people to visit and get to know them.

It is set up and run by Kelly Connell, who explained: “We are a creative cafe, we do your usual cafe things like cake, coffee, and a simple menu.

“We run and facilitate workshops; we will work closely with other provisions in the area to fill any gaps needed between their services.

“We also have retail space for small handmade businesses in the area to list and sell their products.

“Our main focus is the child poverty in the area and we believe that by providing the support to the parents instead of just directly helping the children - although we will put energy and time into that too - it can hopefully help towards stopping the perpetual cycle many families find themselves in or allow them to leave toxic and dangerous situations.

“I currently have the Project 1000 campaign going to raise £1000 - for this, we commit to putting 1000 hot meals in bellies over the winter months.

“These meals aren't just for children or parents, they are for any member of the community struggling this winter.”

On what motivated her to do this, she said: “I just absolutely love people, I believe in humanity and the amazing things we can all achieve, but it's difficult for many people to really thrive and grow if they don't even have the bare minimum.

“My aim is to help people to become their best selves by filling in the gaps, in a creative way if possible as that's my jam!

“I will fill in those gaps where possible, liaise with other service providers if I can't or facilitate it from other small local businesses if needed.

“It's a very multi-pronged attack, its creative nature is ever-evolving and the plans for next year are already underway and very exciting.”

For more information about the fundraiser, and to donate, visit https://gofund.me/c4db480e.