'Human library' plans where you almost borrow people

The Helping Hands Café in Wellingborough opened in July

The owner of a newly opened charity café wants to set up a "human library".

Paul Cunningham, 51, of Helping Hands Café in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, has "always" been interested in helping the community.

At the venue, food and drink were served at cheaper prices than a "run-of-the-mill coffee shop" to encourage people who are lonely to visit.

Speaking about plans for the business, Mr Cunningham said: "The idea is [the older generation] talk to the [young people] about their life experiences, so you're almost borrowing a person as opposed to a book."

'Homely feel'

Janye Handcock, a customer visiting from Great Doddington said the café had "a nice community atmosphere."

Another customer Peter Brain said he was "very happy" to visit because of the opportunity to "meet lots of people".

Mr Cunningham said he wanted the venue to have a "homely feel", and hoped it "doesn't feel too clinical".

Helping Hands Café opened in July and is run by Wellingborough Community Friends in partnership with HMP Five Wells.

The charity plans to use products made in the prison at the café and to get volunteers to help "in the kitchen" on day release.

Paul Cunningham said the café is designed to alleive loneliness in the community