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A charity which supports the homeless and those affected by poverty has opened a new base in Blackwood town centre.

Helping Caring Team (HCT) was set up in 2019, and provides help and advocacy to homeless and vulnerable people across Caerphilly, Newport, Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent.

The hub, at 28 Bridge Street, Blackwood, is the new home for the charity’s foodbank and also gives it a space to hold events and for people to come in and seek advice and help – even if it’s just a friendly chat.

Founder Hayley Thomas, from Oakdale, set up HCT after witnessing a rise in the number of homeless people in Newport over Christmas 2018.

Originally operating in Caerphilly and Newport, the charity has extended its services to Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent.

It has now grown to be a dedicated team of five trustees and 15 volunteers.

Ms Thomas said: “We help people who need support at the time they need support – the full circle. We help the street homeless to working families in poverty.

“Our foodbank is for anybody in need without a referral who may not be able to access help elsewhere.”

Dr Louise Woodgate is the charity’s development director.

Speaking at the opening of the new hub, on Sunday, April 24, she said: “We aim for short-term intervention when things are tough.

“We look to help people access the services that will enable them to move through the system [and get longer-term help].”

The new centre has been partly funded with a grant from the High Sheriff of Gwent Malgwyn Davies.

Mr Davies said it was a true privilege to meet many of the inspirational people that volunteer for HCT.

He said: “The Gwent High Sheriffs’ Community Fund makes grants to voluntary organisations that provide support to young people. In particular we look for initiatives that reduces crime and anti-social behaviour and raises awareness of the consequences of such activities. We tend to focus on small voluntary bodies and make grants of up to £5,000.”

• HCT’s foodbank is open every Wednesday at Blackwood between 9am and 12pm.
• It runs an outreach service where is gives aid directly to those living on the streets on Monday Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent) and Wednesday nights (Newport and Torfaen) between 5.50pm and 10.30pm.

The charity relies on donations from a variety of local companies. For more information on the charity’s work, and some of the events it runs, visit its Facebook group or call 07507630014.