A NEW facility to assist the homeless opened its doors in Kendal this week.

Locally based charity Manna House’s new premises on Ann Street will provide a warm, unconditional welcome during the day to those without a home or those who are at risk of being made homeless.

The Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Susan Bagot, who supported Manna House’s successful application for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service this past year, officially opened the Stephenson Centre building.

Established in 2002, Manna House had operated from temporary accommodation at Castle Lodge since 2010.

But while they do not provide overnight accommodation, the new facility enables them to offer dedicated rooms to discuss personal circumstances and a therapy and workshop space where anything from hairdressing to counselling and drop-in sessions take place.

There is also a computer room where staff can help with job and accommodation searches, two sitting rooms for those in need of company, and a learning kitchen where everyone will be encouraged to lend a hand and share a healthy meal.