Christmas kindness paid forward at popular cafe

Wayne Jenson, CEO of Meeting Point House, said the scheme was a way to give back

A cafe is bringing joy to people in need by expanding its "pay it forward" scheme for Christmas.

Hummingbird Cafe, based in Meeting Point House in Telford, is gifting Christmas presents to visitors who are less fortunate.

Under the existing pay it forward scheme, customers buy a hot drink or meal for someone visiting later who otherwise cannot afford it.

But the concept is being given a festive spin so that practical gifts may also find their way to others, including items of clothing and toiletries.

Meeting Point House is a large building home to many charities that help people in the area, including Telford CAP Debt Centre; Stay, which provides housing for homeless people; and Telford Stars, which supports people with addiction.

Wayne Jenson, CEO of Meeting Point House, said about half of the people who visited the cafe were regular customers.

"The cafe team had a fantastic idea to have some Christmas presents under the tree, so that [people in need] could have something for them," he said.

"We've got a range of simple things... hats, gloves, socks, toiletries."

The cafe gets busier in the winter months, says Wayne Jenson

The cafe is also encouraging customers to drop off a present to be given out.

"Christmas is such a fantastic time of the year, we all want a present at the end of the day, and it's just our way of trying to give a little bit back," said Mr Jenson.

He added the pay it forward scheme was even more important in the cold months.

"With the cold weather, it's crucial to us that we can support local people that are not in a position to perhaps get a hot drink or a hot meal," he said.

"We are very fortunate that our customers have taken it on board, and they pay it forward.

"There's a big requirement for it."