A popular Shipley Country Park café run by people with learning disabilities and mental health needs is in line for a refurbishment and new look for 2018 – with a little help from the local community.

Disability charity, United Response, is looking for volunteers to help refurbish its Derby Lodge Café between Monday 22 January and Sunday 28 January.

The café would welcome any volunteers to come along and lend a helping hand throughout the week.

Derby Lodge Café provides paid and voluntary work opportunities for people with learning disabilities and mental health needs, to enable them to develop valuable employment skills as well as build their confidence and become active members of the community.

Since opening in 2015, the café has been a huge success and become an integral part of the community, opening its doors to muddy boots and soggy dogs seven days a week.

Derby Lodge Café is now urgently in need of refurbishment and United Response is calling on the local community to spare some time to give the café the care and attention it deserves.

Whether you’re a skilled tradesman or just happy to lend a helping hand, any volunteers would be hugely appreciated to assist with painting, cleaning and general DIY.

The café would also welcome any donations of useful materials, such as shelving and kitchen equipment.

Lynda Burchnell-Stapleton, who manages Derby Lodge Café on behalf of United Response, said:

“The café is a fantastic community resource, but it desperately needs a bit of tender loving care. Our goal is to make the space more accessible, as well as a more attractive environment for customers to enjoy. We would be very grateful for any time, skills or materials people could donate to make our dream a reality.”

To find out more about volunteering at the café, please call Lynda on 07773389892.

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