A KIDDERMINSTER town centre coffee shop has been given a civic seal of approval for the support it offers vulnerable Wyre Forest residents.

The Gatsby Emporium in Oxford Street, Kidderminster offers an upstairs facility to support people of any age with learning, physical and/or other disabilities; people and families living with Dementia; and/or people suffering loss of sensory impairment.

It also offers crisis care, mental health support groups and many community-led groups (such as the new ‘Knit and Natter’ Group) that meet in a socially inclusive environment to share news and develop friendships.

And staff at the shop do their bit to help the homeless by hosting a pending coffee scheme and distributing donations of clothes and blankets.

The Mayor of Kidderminster, Councillor Mary Rayner, the Chairman of Wyre Forest District Council, Councillor Rose Bishop and the Cabinet Member for Health, Well-being and Housing, Councillor Juliet Smith popped into the coffee shop to pass on their personal thanks to owner and founder, Tia Sharman.

Both Councillors Rayner and Bishop, along with Councillors John Hart, John Desmond and Nicky Gale, have supported the coffee shop by making grants from their Community Leadership Fund allowance.

Councillor Smith said: “The Gatsby Emporium is exactly the type of locally based, community-focused facility that we should be celebrating and supporting.

“Tia has done a fantastic job in building a calm place of safety for those who need it – regardless of sex, ability or disability – and having visited The Gatsby a few times now I would urge people to go there for a coffee and a chat.”

Tia Sharman added: “The Gatsby Emporium was designed to support and help anyone needing care and support in a way that ensures they can remain at the centre of their community.

“The hub of everything is the coffee shop where anyone is warmly welcomed. I am blessed by the support I have received from Councillors and the general public who continue to donate into the pending coffee scheme and give much-needed donations of clothes and blankets to help the homeless and less fortunate.”