SINCE opening in September the Welcome Centre, run by local charity Crosspoi
nt, has seen a wide array of issues brought to their door by people in need. Now they are welcoming other groups, who can
contribute positively to the community, to make use of the premises.
The drop-in centre, which occupies the former Madcap Music shop in the Market Place, is manned by volunteers who serve the community by providing help, advice, or simply by offering a friendly face. The Welcome Centre is open three days a week, and reports that they have had 156 logged visitors since the end of September. 95 of those have been since January, showing a rise in the number of visitors. Rev. Dai Davies, chair of Crosspoint said, “There has been a gentle uplift in the number of visitors in the time we’ve been open. We’ve had folk come looking for work, others in crisis where for whatever reason they’ve found themselves without food or means of gas or electricity, also occasionally people with the prospect of housing issues. We’ve had a whole range of folk come through the door.” Figures show that the centre has a lot of enquiries for job- related issues, and from people who need help with filling in forms or help connecting with other agencies. Since the centre became a satellite distribution post for the Warminster Food Bank in January, they have also seen a considerable number come to them for food support. Now, the centre is welcoming other organisations who could use the premises to deliver even more to the community, with the premises already in use by some groups. Dai said, “It’s great to work in partnership with the Warminster Foodbank and other groups are considering coming to work with us. I’ve contacted Job Centre Plus to see whether they would be prepared to allow signing in Westbury rather than having to travel to Trowbridge – that would be very helpful. That would be the sort of thing we want to develop. “Other groups needing a place to meet are welcome to use this facility, providing they contribute something positive to the life of those in our community.” The charity Crosspoint and the Welcome Centre was conceived 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. The Welcome Centre opened its doors in September, with an official opening with MP Andrew Murrison in November. The centre is funded by donations from local churches, Friends of Crosspoint, and grants. The centre is open Mondays 3pm to 5pm; Thursdays 10am-12.30pm; and Saturdays 10am-12.30pm. You can find out more, or get in contact with the charity, at www.crosspoint-westbury.co.uk
Pictured: Volunteers Elsa Harflett, Peter Likeman, and David Watson outside the Welcome Centre.
