People in the Crewkerne area will have a new place to meet and talk with new people this month.

A weekly Chat Cafe is launching at 3.30pm on Wednesday, September 18, at Bilby’s Cafe in the centre of Crewkerne.

The 90-minute session is supported by a professional wellbeing and recovery worker from the Somerset Open Mental Health Network, with Crewkerne Health Centre also backing the project.

It was set up by Crewkerne Community Kitchen (CCK).

Chair Michael Fox said: "We’re excited to be able to start this new project which provides a space for anyone to pop in for a drink and have a chance for a friendly chat with someone.

"There’s a wellness worker at the sessions who can provide support and ideas to help them."

The free Chat Cafe is part of the group's effort to create a new community centre in the town.

It has now chosen a name for the centre: Open Doors.

Mr Fox added: "We want this to be a warm welcoming community centre open to anyone, offering a wide range of activities, from wellbeing to art workshops and after-school clubs.

"It would add a new dimension to existing facilities, and feature a community-run cafe serving good value food, made using local ingredients, and including some saved from landfill."

CCK has set up a new website, www.opendoorssomerset.org.uk, which will be updated regularly with news about their activities and progress in finding a home.

The group is also looking for a sponsor for the Chat Cafe sessions, to offer a big discount on the price of drinks bought at the cafe.

Sponsors would have their name featured on all CCK's posters and online publicity.