A CHARITY that supports people in times of crisis now has a new base in Brierley Hill.

The Giving Hands Mission has been helping the borough's needy and homeless by providing food, clothing, sleeping bags, furniture and household items from its day centre in Mill Street for the last three years.

However as the demand for the charity's service grew, so did the need for a bigger base.

The charity has now moved to The Warehouse in Cottage Street and the facility was officially opened by The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Alan Taylor, on Wednesday (September 12).

At the ribbon cutting ceremony, cllr Taylor said: "It is a great pleasure for the Mayoress and myself to be at this occasion.

"I know that you are a Christian based charity committed to improving the quality of life of people irrespective of any religion, race, gender or sexual orientation by providing help for families and individuals in need."

Chief operating officer, George Ehimen Peter said the charity would continue to do more to help those facing hardship.

He continued: "As part of our future plan for the day centre, those that need access to health care professionals can book appointment to be seen at our premises.

"We intend to have showers, shaving and laundry facilities for the homeless, so they can have a clean wash and maintain good hygiene. It will also have free access to computers for job searches so our service users can find employment.

"We have been providing our service users with free hot meals and drinks.

"Also service users temporarily use the day centre’s address as their contact address where they can receive their mail/post until they move into their own accommodation.

"All our services are provided free of charge."

For more information about the charity, visit givinghandsmission.org.uk.