A CHARITY supporting the homeless community is opening a new site in the town centre.

Room at the Inn and the Y Project will launch its town centre shop Brighter Days at Hatters Row, on Horsemarket Street, on May 5.

Based at Winmarleigh Street, the charity offers support, guidance and practical help to those experiencing homelessness in Warrington.

Throughout the pandemic its valuable work has continued. From cooking meals and making doorstop deliveries to hotels, to visiting refugees with clothes – as well as continuing to provide both emergency daytime and night time services every day of the pandemic – the charity has been brightening the days of many with both practical and emotional support.

Funded partly by a grant from the Covid-19 lottery community fund, the new shop venture will mean volunteers, service users and artists can work side-by-side to promote wellbeing, creativity and a sense of purpose.

A new volunteer co-ordinator, Helen O’Neil, has been appointed. She said she knew the work needed compassion and kindness.

She added: “You soon realise how thankful we should be for the security many of us have in life, just knowing you have a roof over your head and a comfy bed every night affords you opportunities we take for granted.

“This new shop project has been a huge part of my new role bringing people together – transforming an empty white rectangle of space in Hatters Row into the beautiful ready to open shop we now have has been so worthwhile.

“The current volunteers have been extremely supportive and welcoming and now we have newly recruited members as well to help with the valuable work. Team work at its best.”

The shop will sell new and pre-loved clothing and other gifts, pictures by artists, handmade jewellery and original craft pieces – which bring a ‘high quality feel to this space’ but with affordable prices. Special commissions for art and clothing will add to the choices available.

The shop will be open Wednesday to Saturday, from 10am to 4pm, and can be found on the top floor of Hatters Row near the bus station.

For more information contact Room at the Inn on 632771.

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