Cafe lifeline for elderly reopens

Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE) says the revival of its café in Boston Spa represents a crucial milestone in its pandemic recovery - after a spirit sapping year for older people across its patch.

The WiSE Owl Café offers a safe space to socialise for dozens of isolated older people but was forced to shut its doors when coronavirus first hit last year.

Christine Hardman, who runs the café, said: “We’re really excited to finally be in a position to reopen our café, which we know brings so much joy to older people - many of whom have had virtually no contact with the outside world for more than a year now.

“It goes without saying that safety of our staff, volunteers and service users will be the number one priority for us when we reopen.

“We’re going to take things slowly and safely, offering outdoor seated service initially, before hopefully fully reopening from July provided everything is still going in the right direction.”

The Boston Spa Village Hall based venue has reopened for take outs and outdoor seating two days a week.

It will then close for a week before fully reopening, three days a week from July 6, government guidelines permitting.

As well as catering for older people, the WiSE Owl Café is also open to young mums with pre-school children, dog walkers, cyclists and anyone else who would enjoy it.

WiSE aims to enable older people to live at home while reducing social isolation and gives support to those who care for the elderly in the community.

To achieve this WiSE works independently and with community partners in order to provide activities, services and opportunities for volunteering.

To check opening hours for the café, visit www.w-ise.org.uk/our-activities/ or check the Facebook page for further announcements @wetherbywise.

Alternatively, to donate, visit www.w-ise.org.uk/donate/