A LEADING Bromsgrove charity is going from strength-to-strength after moving into new town premises.

The Basement Project provides practical and emotional support for youngsters aged between 16 and 25-years-old.

The project, run by qualified youth workers, has two key operations. Its drop-in facility supports young people with various issues including those homeless or facing homelessness, unemployed, or with health issues.

Its outreach service provides long term support to youngsters after they are housed.

The success of the service in the 15 years since being founded has led to it outgrowing its previous home at Bromsgrove Baptist Church.

The official opening of the charity’s new centre at Hanover House in Hanover Street, was held on Friday, (June 21).

David Morgan, a project trustee, told the Advertiser the project has been a town success story.

He explained that although it had generally been an upward curve there had been period of financially difficulty, caused by the recession, but the service got through this.

Now, the charity is enjoying a double celebration as it has been announced it will be receiving a three year Big Lottery Fund grant of £200,000 for the drop-in facility, starting in September.

An increased demand for this service led to the need for more staff, and bigger premises.

Treasurer Johns Perks said: “This is a tremendous boost and helps us to plan this part of the operation.

“However, we do have to remember we are still reliant upon the council’s support as well, and these monies are not for the outreach service, which continues to need funding.

“Consequently, we are still dependent on local supporters continuing to assist us.”

Converted from offices the charity’s new home features a ground floor drop-in centre, a first floor home for outreach workers, and a training room on the top floor.

This floor also houses the project’s food bank.

Mr Morgan said: “The need for the bank has, dramatically, more than doubled over the last 12 months.

“We need people to keep donating food.”

Anyone who wants to give food can simply call-in, and make a donation at the centre.

The service also needs volunteers, and the support of Bromsgrove business es to fund-raise for them. The project can be contacted by calling 01527 832993 or email, info@basementproject.org.uk.

An open day for the public is being planned for September. In the meantime, townsfolk are being encouraged to visit the charity’s new-look website, bromsgrovebasementproject.org.uk.