THE new ‘Welcome Centre’, run by Westbury charity Crosspoint, is set to open next week.
The opening of the drop-in centre, which will occupy the former Madcap Music shop in the Market Place, will see volunteers serve the community by offering help, advice, or simply by offering a friendly face.
The Rev. Dai Davies, minister of Westbury Leigh and Stormore Baptist Church and chairman of Crosspoint said he was delighted that the centre has finally reached an opening, after comprehensive refurbishment of the premises.
“To reach this point has not been without difficulties. We faced opposition in the early stages because some thought it was going to be a drop-in centre for drug users and alcoholics. But that is far from our core aim,” said Rev. Davies.
“We wouldn’t turn away people in those positions but our focus is to give support to people of any age with every day worries, such as how to fill in forms, the lonely just wanting a chat, young people wanting advice about how to approach a prospective employer, or help with writing and printing their CV, etc.
“We’re here to listen and provide a friendly face for people to talk to whether in crisis or not and we can even offer computer facilities and internet access,” he said. Computer equipment has already been bought with a £1,000 donation from the Westbury Area Board.
Initially, the centre will also host an art exhibition from students at Matravers School, as part of the Westbury Music and Arts Festival.
Rev. Dai Davies said, “The school approached us to use part of the premises and we will be delighted to welcome the exhibition. We may also be working with Warminster Food Bank, holding some of their food parcels for distribution in the community.”
The centre’s initial opening hours will be on Mondays from 3.00pm-5.00pm, Thursdays from 10.00am-12.30pm, and Saturdays from 10.00am-12.30pm.
From conception to opening
The charity Crosspoint, and the concept of a Welcome Centre, was conceived some 18 months ago by a group of people from across churches in the town. Built on Christian values, it seeks to promote the wellbeing of all local people and contribute to the relief of those in need, irrespective of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, or religion.
Rev. Davies explained, “It started when a group of concerned people felt we wanted to serve the community and recognised that there are lonely people, people living on the fringe, who don’t know where to go when they want help.
“From that we recognised that it would be good to have a neutral place where people could come just as they are, feel safe and welcome, find a friendly face, and have someone who can point them in the right direction and empower them to take control.
“The committee is made up from members of churches. But there is no requirement whatsoever regarding religion. We are just bringing our Christian concern in a tangible way to the community, there’s no requirement to turn up at church or talk about faith issues, we’re simply there to serve the community in the best way possible.”
The Welcome Centre will be manned by volunteers, who have been undergoing training over the last few months which encompasses listening skills, meeting and greeting people, data protection, and training on working with children and vulnerable adults.
The road to opening the centre has had its ups and down, with the charity first having to find suitable premises in the town. Colin Scragg, of property consultants Carter Jonas who let the ground floor premises to Crosspoint, says the former Madcap Music shop offered a viable base for the charity. “Once the centre is up and running I’m sure it will go a long way to providing a sense of community spirit and belonging,” he said. “It’s centrally located, making it easy for people to access and means the town has one less empty shop.”
However, the choice of the premises was met with objections from a small number of local traders, who said they did not want to see the Market Place premises taken away from potential retail use. However, planning permission for use as a drop in centre was granted and refurbishment of the premises has since taken place, ready for opening next week. It is expected that an official opening ceremony will take place in October.
For more information about Crosspoint or to become a volunteer, friend or supporter go to the website www.crosspoint-westbury.co.uk or contact the Rev. Dai Davies on 01373 827950, email daidavies.office@btinternet.com
