An award-nominated café that offers more than just coffee is facing the risk of closure in Neath. The café, part of The Haven on Angel Street, was opened by The Salvation Army in 2021. Apart from serving coffee, the café provides benefits assistance, housing advice, counseling services, basic medical care, and accredited educational programs to those in need in the town. However, the café is now in danger of closing due to a shortage of volunteers.
Christina Davies, the café manager, has expressed that the situation has reached a critical point. She mentioned that without additional help to run events and services, the café may have to shut down permanently. Currently, the café is closed more often than it is open, affecting the customers who rely on it for a warm meal. The community has shown strong support for the café, emphasizing its importance. Davies highlighted the urgent need for volunteers to fill various roles, such as preparing meals and assisting during service hours.
The café is part of The Haven’s nomination for the Community Impact Award at the Welsh Mental Health & Wellbeing Awards, with winners to be announced on October 9. The café forms an integral part of the community and plays a vital role in providing essential services. To address the volunteer shortage, an appeal has been made for individuals willing to offer their time and support. Those interested in volunteering can contact the café at 01639 509035 or via email at [email protected] with the subject line ‘Volunteer’.
The café not only serves as a place for refreshments but also contributes significantly to the well-being of the community. Its potential closure would leave a gap in the services available to those in need. With the support of volunteers, the café can continue its valuable work and maintain its role as a cornerstone of the community.