A community cafe and food bank has finally opened its doors after a £62k renovation.

Left empty since the Covid pandemic, Heather House in Sittingbourne now aims to be a hub where people can go for support, advice or simply a hot drink and a sandwich.

The not-for-profit cafe will also be providing free meals for children when accompanied by a paying adult.

Kathleen Golding has just joined as a volunteer and aims to help on Mondays and Tuesdays.

She has multiple personality disorder and says she cannot wait to help others who may be struggling.

“I’m hoping to do all sorts – mainly assist with odd jobs like preparing salads,” the 36-year-old explained.

“With my mental health condition, I'm more stable than I used to be.

“I was also bullied, so I can relate and understand if other people are going through something similar.

“I would love to cheer them up, but I'd also sympathise with them as well.

“I know what it's like to go through a hard time. I feel safe coming here and it gets me out of my flat.”

Michelle Henneker, Elaine Allen, Dan Marsh and Trevor Thurlow have been working on the project.

They are part of two local charities, Swale Community Care Project and Sittingbourne and Sheppey Helping Ukraine.

In June, the group got the keys to the building, in the Avenue of Remembrance.

The majority of the renovations – approximately £62,000 worth – were carried out by construction company Trail Group free of charge.

In August, KentOnline had a sneak peek at what was to offer at the venue.

The building had been left empty since the pandemic, once home to a vaccination centre when Covid hit in 2019.

Age UK Kent Rivers has leased the property since it was built in 1989 and is working with the team to provide their services.

Before and after: The building had been left untouched for four years. Picture: Dan Marsh

It now has a functioning community cafe, food bank and pantry, as well as domestic violence support and other essential facilities.

Items on the menu include hot drinks, juice, porridge, toast, a breakfast roll or sandwich and cost between 50p to £2.50.

However, the prices are a rough “donation value” as it is a not-for-profit project.

An additional year-round offer is that children have the option to eat for free with a paying adult. And the organisation is allowing people to "pay it forward,” where you can donate money towards someone else's food

Michelle, who is part of Sittingbourne and Sheppey Helping Ukraine, says it was especially important that they opened before the winter months.

She said: “We know there's an awful lot of pensioners that will struggle even more this winter than they did before.

“If you're sat at home, you don't want to switch the heating on, you haven't got any money for food – your mental health is on the floor.

“If giving someone a free cup of tea can make a difference, then why wouldn't we want to do that?

“It's giving people somewhere to go and a bit of hope.”

In September, a Conservative motion to block the winter fuel payment cuts was voted on in the Houses of Parliament.

It was defeated by 348 to 288 votes – a majority of 120. The eligibility for the benefit will now be limited to only the poorest pensioners.

“It's difficult because it's disappointing, of course,” Michelle added. “However, there's no money in the pot.

“Sadly, I think some of the mainstream media doesn't make it clear, so people are thinking there's nothing for them when there may be.

“The worst thing is to just sit at home and worry. We're glad that we can make a little bit of difference here.”

On Saturday (October 5), an official ribbon cutting was held for the charities, organisations, and friends who had helped along the way.

The Mayor of Swale, Cllr Ben Martin and Swale council leader Cllr Tim Gibson also attended, along with Cllr Ashley Wise and Cllr Ann Cavanagh.

On Monday (October 7), the general public has been able to take a look around.

Mum and daughter duo Sharon and Elizabeth Taylor popped in for a cup of tea. They both remember having their Covid vaccinations inside the building.

“It’s bright, airy and accommodating,” said Elizabeth. “I think it’s great to open something local and the prices are being kept low.

“When I go into town it’s quite clear that the cost of living is having an adverse effect on the majority of people.

“Which is why it is such a lovely idea that this place has been made so inviting. I will definitely be coming back here.”

Warren Wright, CEO of Trail Group, added: “We were introduced to this fantastic community initiative by our client MHS Homes.

“Our teams are already working across multiple social housing projects in the Medway area, undertaking fire protection and damp prevention works.

“As a Kent business, we were keen to help this new community hub become a reality.

“With many people suffering financial hardship and social isolation, these facilities are absolutely invaluable and make an important contribution to the community.

“Our congratulations and thanks to everyone, particularly all the volunteers, who have played a part in this inspiring initiative.”

If you’d like to access the food bank or any other services, either turn up or email heatherhouse_cc@outlook.com.