A NEW community cafe has been launched in Oakley aimed at reducing social isolation.

The new cafe offers community information, from “men's sheds” and credit unions to volunteering opportunities and support projects.

It will be held every Friday between noon and 2pm at the Oakley Social Club, and operate a ‘Give Something Back’ scheme where diners donate what they can afford.

Fife Council community education worker Aileen Aitken said: “The main aim is to bring people together and deal with social isolation.

“A lot of people in the villages don't get out, and the cafe is already providing people with opportunities for social contact

“We're very proud of our volunteers. They're very enthusiastic and are the backbone of the project.

“It's beneficial for them as well – some of the volunteers have not been working for a few years and it's about building up a network. They look forward to the buzz of working together as a team to help their community.”

“We're always looking for new volunteers and there are other things we could do going forward, such as a clothing swap or bank, and visits to other community cafes to see how they do it.”

To get involved, contact Aileen on 07507 396407 or 03451 55 55 55 ext 401805.

Run by volunteers, the venue is a partnership project between Fife Council, the Fife Centre for Equalities and Fife Voluntary Action, with equipment purchased from the council's Anti-Poverty Funding.