A HOMELESS drop-in centre in Trowbridge is appealing for help finding a new home, after it was given notice by the landlord to vacate its current premises in Duke Street at the end of September.

The Trowbridge Drop-In Centre, which is run by Christian care group Alabaré, is open to anyone over the age of 16 who is homeless or at risk of homelessness and provides shelter, hot food, drinks and advice.

It is now looking for a new home after almost 10 years in its current location, where it was initially run by Action on Homelessness before being taken over by Alabaré.

The centre opens on Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays and also provides a postal address, access to computer and phone, information and can provide support with housing and welfare benefit issues.

Alabaré Chief Executive Andrew Lord said: “We have been given notice by the landlord to vacate the premises at the end of September 2015.

“We are looking for alternative locations in the town that properly meet our needs and means we can operate the same or even an enhanced service to anyone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

“We recently conducted a study into the needs of users at the Drop-in and they told us a breakfast was the most important thing we provide for them, followed by the provision of a mailing address and the opportunity to avoid social isolation by coming to the Drop-in.

“Our needs are simple and straightforward and we are hopeful of finding a partnership solution that is affordable to all involved.”

During a second visit to the centre, clients will undergo an initial needs assessment, before staff help provide access to the appropriate agencies, or depending on circumstances, provide them with support to move into their next home.

Senior support worker Kelly Kelly, who has worked at the drop-in centre since 2008, said: “The number of people we get in varies every day, but we had 15 on Monday and 17 on Tuesday, so the need is definitely there.

“I don’t know where else they would go as there is nothing else in Trowbridge. Our clients know us and we give them the consistency and trust they don’t get elsewhere in their life.

“We are appealing for anyone who can help us find a new location really and it ideally needs to be quite central. We are possibly looking at something smaller and could even hire somewhere; just need to ensure we still have a presence in Trowbridge.”

For more information, visit www.alabare.co.uk/home/trowbridge-drop-in-centre