More on KentOnline
A new community café service giving safety advice has been launched to support local groups.
It is within Hoody’s Community Café, in the Charlton Shopping Centre in Dover High Street.
The project was set up and funded by Kent Fire and Rescue Service in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner and other agencies.
People can walk in on Mondays between 9am and 3pm and speak to representatives from KFRS and the asylum seeker charity Samphire.
Access to the service is completely free and visitors can expect information and advice on a variety of services, including KFRS’ Safe and Well home visits.
Michael Pitney, KFRS station manager for collaboration, helped lead the project.
He said: “The emergency services are always here for everyone.
"This is why we’re so pleased to have launched this new initiative, and hope that it will be useful for everyone who would benefit from extra fire safety advice and assistance from other local agencies.
“The idea for this café originated from an ongoing scheme which aims to help Roma communities live safer lives.
"We hope everyone will come away feeling safer."
Matthew Scott, the Police and Crime Commissioner, said, “It’s important for the emergency services to be part of communities they serve. I hope people do support the café and benefit from the vital information it’s serving up.”
Vojito Hudi, who owns Hoody’s, said: “This partnership is a dream come true. Not only because our community will be here in our café, but because they will be learning such important advice.”
Iveta Janova, inclusion development officer at Samphire, said: “We are thrilled that we will be working in partnership with this new venture. I look forward to working closely with Vojito Hudi and the partners to ensure inclusivity for all communities.”