About the Town Central: Your Community Hub for Creativity, Learning, and Connection

Nestled in the heart of the community, About the Town Central is a thriving hub of creativity, learning, and relaxation. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, learn a new skill, or simply enjoy a quality cup of coffee in a welcoming environment, we’ve got something for everyone.

Our cosy Coffee Bar serves up delicious, high-quality snacks and drinks at unbeatable prices. Fancy a hot drink and toast for just £2.00? Or maybe a treat with our hot drink and cake deals for £3.50? With free Wi-Fi, a free library and book swap, plus comfortable seating, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with a book, catch up with friends or join one of our many sessions available throughout the week.

A Hub for Learning and Creativity

We host a wide range of free and affordable sessions catering to all interests and skill levels. Whether you’re keen to learn how to draw and paint, explore your crafty side, or try your hand at creative writing, our classes are designed to be engaging and accessible. We also offer a variety of fully funded training courses such as First Aid and Dementia Awareness Training, and in addition, we have a monthly employability drop-in collaboration with The Nest. We regularly advertise our events on our Facebook page (@About the Town Skelmersdale) and via our events calendar, which is available in paper form at the hub.

Community Cuppa: A Tradition of Togetherness

One of our most cherished initiatives is the ‘Community Cuppa’—a weekly gathering every Friday from 10am to 12pm where everyone is welcome to enjoy free hot and cold drinks, toast, pastries, and fresh fruit. It’s more than just a chance to grab a bite—it’s an opportunity to connect with others, play games, and take part in creative activities at no cost.

A Space for Everyone

As the seasons change and spring approaches, About the Town Central remains a warm and welcoming space for all. Whether you’re popping in for a coffee, joining a class, playing a game, or simply looking for a space to relax, you’ll always find a friendly face and a place to belong. Our mission is simple: to create a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive community where everyone feels valued and welcome.

Our popular Pottery Painting Sessions offer a fantastic recreational activity where you can unleash your creativity and paint unique pieces to take home. Booking in advance is advisable using the QR codes provided, but we will always do our best to accommodate walk-ins. It’s a perfect way to unwind, have fun, and express yourself artistically in a friendly, social environment.

If you’re in the mood for a bit of fun, our free-to-use pool table and table tennis setup offer a great way to relax and socialise. Whether you’re challenging a friend to a friendly match or just looking to brush up on your skills, there’s always time for a game at About the Town Central.

Every purchase from our Pottery Painting sessions, paid classes, coffee bar, and advertising helps us give back to the community, ensuring we can continue to offer valuable services and support.

Join Our Thriving Volunteer Programme

Our successful volunteer programme plays a vital role in everything we do. Volunteers help us run activities, support visitors, and contribute to the smooth running of our initiatives. By getting involved, they not only gain valuable skills and experience but also make a real difference in the lives of others. 

We are currently on the lookout for an experienced and enthusiastic volunteer coffee bar assistant to help create a warm and welcoming experience for visitors. If you’re interested in volunteering with us, please email your CV and a covering letter to editor@aboutthetown.co.uk. 

Creative Studio Opening Hours:

Wednesday:

FreeFlow Art Session (£4)

10am-12pm

NEW Writing Workshop (FREE)

12pm-2pm

Pottery Painting (£6)

10am-3pm

Thursday:

Adults Only Arts & Crafts (£5)

12pm-2pm

Adults Only ‘Cue & Brew’ Pool Challenge (FREE)

12pm-2pm

Pottery Painting (£5) 

Adults only 12pm-2pm

All Ages 2pm-6pm – Pre-booking Advisable

Cartoon Drawing Workshop (£5)

4pm-6pm 

Friday:

‘Community Cuppa’ (FREE)

10am-12pm

Pottery Painting (£6)

10am-3pm

Adults Games Lounge (FREE)

12pm-2pm

Saturday:

Pottery Painting (£6)

10am-3pm – Pre-booking Advisable.

Other Events at ATT:

Dementia Awareness Training (FREE)

3rd December – 1.30pm-3pm – Booking Essential.

ATT Bingo (£5 Entry + £5 if you’d like to stay for Cash Bingo)

4^th May – 1pm-3pm (eyes down at 1.30pm) – Booking essential

LGBTQ+ Monthly Meet Up (FREE)  1^st Wednesday of the Month from 1pm

To learn more about our events, training or sessions, or to book a place on any of the above, please email editor@aboutthetown.co.uk, call 07397 221 436, or drop into the hub. To keep up to date with everything ATT, follow us on Facebook: About the Town Skelmersdale

About the Town Central, Unit 144, Concourse Shopping Centre, Skelmersdale, WN8 6HB.