A new community café in Barnoldswick was officially opened by MP Andrew Stephenson on Friday (October 28).

Thanks to Burnley-based charity, Church on the Street Ministries run by gangster turned pastor Mick Fleming, Loaves and Fishes has opened in Church Street, Barnoldswick.

Loaves and Fishes offers affordable but high-quality hot food and drink, such as coffee and cake, pies, sandwiches and more in a relaxing and friendly environment.

The café, which is working in conjunction with the Church on the Street Ministries shop and food bank, also acts as a welcoming community space where people can come for advice in times of need.

 

 

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson was on hand to open the new cafe at the weekend.

He said: “I was delighted to officially open Loaves and Fishes.

"Church on the Street provide help and support for families across Burnley and Pendle and I was pleased to pay tribute to Pastor Mick and the team.

“The café will be a great addition to Barnoldswick, which already benefits from a number of great cafes and independent small shops.

"I wish all involved the best with this new venture.”

Loaves and Fishes will be holding support groups, and a pay-it-forward scheme will allow people to buy vouchers that cover a meal or cake for someone who might not be able to afford it otherwise.

The café will also offer volunteering opportunities to help people build valuable skills for future employment.

Charity founder, Pastor Mick Fleming started serving Barnoldswick in 2020 with the opening of the charity shop in Church Street, which quickly became a hub for people to access food parcels, affordable clothing and volunteering opportunities.

Since the “epidemic” of mental health problems surfaced after the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis hit, Mick said there is a need for more community cafes to help the people who are struggling most in the town.

Mick, from Burnley, said: “It was a brief opening to share that Church On The Streets is trying to end poverty, food poverty in this case.

“People were very responsive and through the event we are building partnerships, we’re really pleased.”