MOMO'S Café has been chosen as the "worthiest cause" in a local competition run by Jack’s Supermarket, winning funding to help them expand their community work.

Momo’s, on Westfield Street, is a community café that focuses on supporting people's mental health, wellbeing and disabilities.

Over the years, it has developed into a safe space for people from all walks of life, and in addition to their food and drink menu, provides workshops and information about the heritage of St Helens.

Due to their community work, the cafe has won the £750 donation as part of Jack’s Support scheme – which supports local causes by donating proceeds from the sale of carrier bags.

After a three-month voting process at the supermarket, shoppers voted for Momo’s as the worthiest cause, beating stiff competition from the 8th St Helens Scout Group, Blackbrook Royals Junior Rugby League Club and Teardrops Supporting Your Community – a charity which supports the homeless and vulnerable.

All four charities received £250 for taking part, while Momo's was given an additional £500 following the round of voting.

Claire Rigby, owner of Momos Cafe

Claire Rigby, owner of Momo's Cafe

Claire Rigby, at Momo’s Cafe CIC, said: “We plan to use the money we have received from Jack’s to build a sensory room for children and adults that attend Momo’s with sensory processing disorders, such as autism.

“Sensory lighting can help to ease anxiety and overload situations. The room will be available to all the public to use as both a free bookable space as well as be able to use it in a crisis situation.”

In addition to this, Momo’s will also be hosting research groups in the coming months, using their space to look further into the heritage of the area.

Previous winners of the Jacks Supports scheme

Previous winners of the Jack's Supports scheme

Continuing with the popular Jack’s Supports initiative, the voting is now open in store for eight new charities, who are each eligible for funding.

This includes:

● AEDdonate - AEDdonate is a charity working towards placing Defibrillators into communities across the UK and are wanting to place further Defibrillators into St Helens.

● Hope Centre - The Hope Centre support local people to become the best they can be. The funding will be used to develop wellbeing workshops aimed at people experiencing homelessness.

● The Big Help Project - The Big Help Project alleviates poverty without judgement and make emergency food parcels for some of the most vulnerable people in society.

● Thatto Heath Crusaders ARLFC - Thatto Heath Crusaders ARLFC is an amateur rugby league club, welcoming members of all ages, male and female to enjoy rugby league in a safe and friendly environment.

As with the previous round, each participant has been given a £250 donation, and the charity with the most votes at the end of October will receive an additional £500.

To vote for the charity you think deserves the funding visit the Jack’s supermarket in St Helens and select your favourite cause by using the Jack’s Supports podium at the front of the store.

Craig Robinson, Jack's St Helens store manager, said: “We launched Jack’s Supports to give something back to the local communities that have supported us since our launch. Each of the charities involved in the scheme do fantastic work in the local area, and we’re delighted that we are in a position to be able to offer our support.”

To be considered for the next round of Jack’s Supports funding you can apply by visiting https://jackssupports.org.uk/.