High Peak Food Bank launches £80,000 appeal for new Buxton centre – including eco-cafe

Paul Bohan hopes the centre - including the food bank and a new community cafe - will battle against unemployment, mental health problems and isolation as a result of Covid.

At present High Peak Food Bank has raised almost half of the money needed to transform Buxton’s old cattle market warehouse, off Market Street.

Work needed includes a new mezzanine floor for offices, a new kitchen, toilets, a reception area, disabled access platform and internal stairs.

As part of plans to address joblessness the cafe will be a place for hard-up people to eat out and meet others at an affordable price.

Both the cafe and the food bank will give them opportunities to get work experience as part of the charity’s Zink Employability service.

Dubbed an “eco-cafe”, as much food as possible will be sourced from supermarket and hotel surplus - allowing it to keep costs down and reduce food waste.

However it will be “much more than just a cafe”, says Paul.

He said: “The purpose of the cafe will be as a place for isolated people to go - where they can be included.

“There will be big discounts for struggling people and it won’t be like a lot of cafes where you're given a table.

“You just find a chair next to someone else you don’t know and start talking.”

The cafe will also be part of the Zink work coaching service - helping people who have very little social contact to socialise in preparation for the work setting.

Paul described how the charity aimed to provide an activity every day of the week at the building as clients tackle mental health and poverty issues to try and find work.

The food bank is also introducing a new music therapy service - identified by academic interns as “a key part” of healing mental health issues.

Paul said: “It’s targeted at younger men aged 16 to 35 because we find they’re the most likely not to engage with existing wellbeing services.

“The suicide rate is highest in younger men so we thought this was a good way of attracting them.”

Groups of six will be able to learn guitar, drums or bass - allowing them to meet others and engage their creativity.

As part of the charity’s drive to find more revenue they also hope to rent out office space for newly-self employed people at a discount rate.

Zink had hoped to have work completed by the summer however the target has been delayed by a lack of builders.

Paul said: “The hub will be a welcoming place for all - providing services that meet community needs at the time.

“We’re rushing to get the hub open and it’s a challenge but with the help of the community I’m sure we can do it.”

Charity boss Paul is asking constructions firms to get in touch and offer a quote for the alterations needed by emailing [email protected] or phoning 07811 684299.

You can make a donation to High Peak Food Bank’s funding appeal at localgiving.org/appeal/Zinkhub/.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor