A CAFE aimed at bringing “the community back together” is looking for more groups to become involved in offering children and residents a safe place to hang out.

Momo’s on Cotham Street was launched in December by mum-of-one Claire Rigby.

The 38-year-old saw a need for a safe environment for children and young people in the town centre after her son Jacob was racially abused by bullies at a park.

Since its launch, Claire has set up groups at the cafe, and is inviting others to host workshops there as well.

So far the venue, which has a children’s area and board games for guests to play, hosts autism friendly evenings and workshops for people with learning difficulties to learn catering and hospitality skills.

There are also dementia evenings, aromatherapy events and poetry and drama workshops. An under 18s community cinema could also feature.

Claire, from the town centre, said: “My son is 10 and is at the age where he wants to go out with his friends, but I don’t feel like there is anything safe and productive for kids to do in the town centre.

“I also think that as a community we are all very separated, so I decided to use my skills from working with children with learning difficulties and young offenders to make a space to bring the community back together.

“We serve food, but we are also a place where people can come, feel safe, meet other people and have a nice time and maybe learn something.

“The best thing for me is seeing people who met here hanging out together afterwards. I hope other groups who want to get involved get in touch and add to what we have here.”

For more on Momo’s, or to get in touch, visit @momoscafeandcoffee on Facebook.