Cafe West in Whitehaven has been closed this week due to maintenance work so have been doing activities with their staff.  

The cafe helps to support people with disabilities and learning difficulties by keeping them in employment. 

Whilst the cafe has been closed the staff have been doing a range of activities to support them during the brief closure. 

On one of the days, the staff attended a session at Skills 4 You at Cleator Moor. 

They then headed to The Gather at Ennerdale for they took part in an arts and crafts class. 

Skills 4 You is a centre that offers support sessions and career development for those struggling to find employment. 

The Gather is a community venue that hosts a range of events in support of those living in the West Cumbria area. 

Whitehaven News: The art class The art class (Image: Supplied)

June Pearson, a volunteer, said: "We're doing other activities with the staff from the cafe and this week I arranged for them to come to Skills 4 You. 

"They had tea and biscuits and had a talk with a lady from Skills 4 You about what the centre offers in a room called 'The Space.' 

"I also showed them the artwork that we have on display to help them find out more about what we do. 

"They all really enjoyed it; we did a competition that was judged by the staff at The Gather. Then we went for a walk around the village, it was a lovely day, and we all had a really nice time. 

Whitehaven News: The staff creating artwork The staff creating artwork (Image: Supplied)

"They've also been attending the fire station and police station in Whitehaven, so we've been trying to do something different with them every day as the cafe has been closed."

Cafe West is part of the West House Group which supports those with learning difficulties and disabilities. 

The team also has venues in Workington and Keswick helping to support people across the West Coast and into the Lake District.