A NEW 'recovery cafe' has been opened by the Essential Drugs & Alcohol Service (EDAS) in Poole.

The Serenitea Cafe, Ashley Road, Parkstone, will provide an alcohol-free social environment for people in recovery, as well as members of the public.

EDAS deputy chief executive Michele Lyall told the Daily Echo: "We are thrilled to finally open the doors of Serenitea and welcome customers, from service users, their families and carers, to members of the public.

"Recovery cafes are a growing trend in the UK, but unfortunately they are in short supply."

The cafe is intended to be somewhere anyone can come in to relax, socialise and receive discreet advice or counselling.

It will also offer free internet access and educational opportunities - with service users in the late stages of recovery able to work towards gaining health and safety, customer care and hospitality management qualifications.

The Echo spoke to EDAS service users present at Thursday's opening. One said: "It is hard for us to put into words what this cafe means to us, it is somewhere where we can keep in touch with the people we've met on our individual journeys.

"We can come here for support, but at the same time no-one will know if we're just everyday customers - so it removes any stigma."

Another service user said: "There is a lot of fear and stigma surrounding substance abuse, this cafe will help knock that fear down."

EDAS chief executive Dr Mindy Bartlett said the cafe only became a reality because of the hard work, support, dedication and commitment of EDAS, it s trustees and volunteers.

Meanwhile, Michele continued: "The support that Serenitea will offer is invaluable, from helping individuals to cope whilst on their path to recovery, to providing opportunities for volunteering, learning, work experience and even qualifications.

"In consultation with the EDAS doctor, we will be providing healthy nutritional food at competitive prices, and offering local coffee and produce wherever possible.

"We will also be offering vegetarian and vegan choices."

EDAS is a local provider caring for people affected by substance misuse problems.

The Serenitea Cafe, 50 Ashley Road, Parkstone, Poole, will open six days a week, 8.30am-4pm, Monday to Friday, and 12-4pm on Saturdays.

Saturday openings will start in January 2018.

Visit edasuk.org for further details.