TOOTHILL Community Cafe has been awarded more than £4,000 in National Lottery funding.

The money will go towards childcare provision for lone parents in the area enabling them to learn new skills in the cafe and gain basic food hygiene qualifications.

The funds were handed over on Monday afternoon, which marked the start of the 12-month cafe pilot scheme.

“I think this will make a lot of difference,” said Tina Mackie, who is running the scheme with Carol Gibbon.

“Not just for us but for lone parents.

“It also gives the childminders income, so everyone wins.

“The lone parents can get childcare and they can then volunteer for us in the cafe.

“They can learn a new skill, gain work experience and learn how to get back into the work ethos.

“It would increase self-esteem and build confidence.

“It doesn’t just have to be about catering. It can be about teamwork and making new friends or even feeling like they are part of the community.”

Swindon Mayor Steve Wakefield was at the cheque presentation and thought the programme was a fantastic idea.

He said: “The Lottery money will allow young mums to go along and learn cooking skills and pay for the creche for the kids.

“I’ve supported the cafes from the beginning. They’re on my ward and it’s a novel idea they’ve come up with.

“Breakfast is only £1 and it’s a great place to meet people.”

Four people have already shown interest in the new initiative.

The cafe, at Toothill Church in Dunwich Drive, is open between 9.30am-1.30pm and during the same times at Freshbrook Community Centre in Worsley Road on Wednesday.

Tina said the cafes have been running three and a half years serving the community to great effect.

“It’s a place anyone can come along,” Tina said.

“Young, old, teenagers, professionals and the homeless – it’s open to all.”

For more information call Tina on 07944 134915.