We’re still open, say businesses

Daisies Cafe, one of a number of businesses based at Mount Zion House, contacted the ‘MAIL’ this week to make it clear they are still open for business. Manager Tracy Blevins said: “We are still open along with all the other businesses here. It’s only the Foyer that could be closing. The news that the Foyer is under threat has had a knock-on effect on the business. “Things have been a lot quieter than usual. We’ve had regular customers who have told us they haven’t been up because they thought we were shut. “We just want to let everybody know that we’re still open.” Daisies Cafe is a ‘not for profit’ organisation, providing goods and services under normal business terms and conditions. The fundamental difference lies in the fact that a proportion of its workers will have mental ill health or other disabilities and will require a carefully planned, supportive working environment which would help those who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to gain skills, self-belief and confidence they needed to take their place in the community as equals. The charity cafe was set up 12 years ago as an alternative to the traditional day care and to provide clients with real life on-the-job training, work experience and, for some, real jobs. Daisies offer pensioners’ meals every day for £4.25 with a cup of tea and a biscuit. They also have daily specials available, including main courses from £4.95 and an excellent selection of homemade cakes and buns. The cafe is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 3.30pm.