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A charity which helps the homeless was given a celebratory afternoon tea for supporters to show their appreciation.

Blackwood-based Helping Caring Team (HCT) was founded in 2019 by Hayley Thomas, and runs a wide range of services to help the homeless and vulnerable from its ‘Pink Pantry’ base on Bridge Street.

Community centre Libanus Lifestyle wanted to show its support for the charity by hosting a free afternoon tea for staff, volunteers and those helped by HCT, on Tuesday September 3.

Funding for the event came from Caerphilly County Borough Council.

Karen James, from Libanus Lifestyle, said: “We have been long-time supporters of HCT and we collaborate with lots of other local organisations.

“Our very own Sean James and Rebecca Bright hosted HCT at Libanus providing their own home-prepared afternoon tea. All who attended seemed to enjoy it and even had a takeaway.”

Libanus Lifestyle is now specialising in hosting events at its base, including weddings. Money made from hiring the centre for such events helps to keep it open for community use.

HCT’s Kari-Ann Tunkin added: “We had a lovely afternoon tea at Libanus Lifestyle.

“Thank you to Karen James and her fab team for letting us use their beautiful room and preparing the gorgeous food for us.

“Our guests today were all unpaid carers, or local residents feeling isolated or lonely, reaching out to others in similar situations. It was lovely to see everyone chatting to each other.”

Among the visitors to the tea were Blackwood councillors Andrew Farina-Childs and Nigel Dix.

Cllr Farina-Childs said: “It is great for us as councillors to support two very worthy organisations.”

Cllr Dix added: “More organic community groups like these need to be supported going forwards.”

Based at the former Libanus Chapel, which was built in 1829 and is one of the oldest buildings in Blackwood, the not-for-profit Libanus Lifestyle is run by a small group of volunteers and offers a variety of classes and events.

Work converting the former chapel began in 2015, with the building modernised and its churchyard converted into a vibrant garden.

Earlier this year HCT was awarded £52,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund for it to continue its work.

If you are in need of help, you can visit HCT on Bridge Street, email hcteam2023@outlook.com or call 07507 630014.