A DEVIZES homelessness charity is about to move into its own headquarters thanks to a £50,000 grant.

For years Opendoors has used the parish rooms of St John’s Church on Long Street as the base for its operation but thanks to the grant money it will have a home of its own.

From October 4, 2021 drop-in sessions will be held at the Southbroom Centre in Victoria Road, four days a week.

Chairman of Opendoors trustees John Saunders said: “At the moment it is all feeling a bit daunting as there is still a lot of work to do to get the building in the right condition.

“But we have a lot of volunteers helping and once we are open it will allow us to take our work to the next level.

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“We are adding an extra drop in session on a Thursday and hope to organise a wide range of activities to help our guests to learn new skills such as cooking, IT and gardening.

“The separate office spaces at the Southbroom Centre, will also make it easier for us to talk confidentiality to our guests and for our befriending programme to be extended.”

Without the help of the charity, homeless and vulnerable people in Devizes would have nowhere to get a regular meal, clothing or shower.

Opendoors also gives out vouchers for the launderette and foodbank.

This year around 80 people have used Opendoors’ service, around half of which do not have a permanent place to live or sleep.

The other half do have homes but are vulnerable and need the support of Opendoors to keep their lives on track. The charity also gives guests who need it access to Wiltshire Council’s housing workers and drug and alcohol counselling.

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Lloyds Bank has given the charity £25,000 a year for the next two years and this is being used to pay for alterations to the centre, which is leased from St James’ Church and will also pay for staff wages.

A shower is being installed and an office has been created along with a computer area.

Mr Saunders said: “Opendoors has a huge amount of community support which is very important to us. Many individuals and local groups raise money from anything from sponsored walks to quiz nights and others make regular donations. Firms such as Wadworth and David Owen Accountants are big supporters.”

Supermarkets give the charity regular gifts of food and grants come from Wiltshire Community Foundation and Devizes Area Board.

Regular monthly Saturday coffee mornings are to be introduced so members of the community can drop in to find out more about the work of Opendoors and to raise any issues.

From October 4 sessions will be held from:11am to 1pm on Mondays; 9.30am to 1130pm on Wednesdays; 2pm to 4pm on Thursdays and 5pm to 6pm on Fridays.