Homeless centre prepares for major makeover

Buy photos » Mel Kirk in Maggs' soon-to-be refurbished shower area. Picture by Marcus Mingins 3012017MMR.

A DAY centre for the homeless is set for a £30,000 makeover as it prepares to open seven days a week for the first time in its history.

Maggs Day Centre on Deansway will close its doors on Monday (July 30) ahead of a major refurbishment of its mouldy shower and toilet area.

Rough sleepers who rely on the charity's support will continue to be provided with hot meals and shelter at the Age Concern warehouse on Charles Street.

Worcester YMCA will also be making some of its shower and wash facilities available to the homeless during the closure.

When services return to Deansway in September the charity will extend its opening from six to seven days a week after securing enough funding to realise its long-term ambition.

Centre manager Mel Kirk said: "It will be the first time ever in Maggs' history it has been open seven days a week which is fantastic. When it's raining and cold there is no where for the homeless to go so this will make a huge difference.

"It has been two years of very hard work but the support we've had from some places, especially the general public, churches and schools, has been phenomenal."

The refurbishment, which includes the creation of an extra shower, has been made possible with the support of donations and grants from businesses and organisations including CP Foods, Npower and Worcester Municipal Charities.

Maggs is also one of Worcester Mayor Coun Roger Berry's chosen charities for his year of fund-raising activities.

"The amount of black mould in the current shower is not pleasant and we want our users to have a lovely clean environment," Miss Kirk said. "We are also going to have two showers rather than one so there is less of a queue."

People wanting to donate clothes to Maggs can take them to the Age Concern warehouse on Charles Street while the Deansway centre is closed.

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