A HOMELESS charity has returned to its Kendal base ten months after the floods badly damaged its premises.

The Manna House team was forced to relocate from their Aynam Road headquarters following the December deluge, initially to the town's United Reformed Church and latterly to the Salvation Army centre on Gillinggate.

Now the charity says it is back to business following a complete refit. Acting Chief Officer Andrea Aldridge said: "The floods last Christmas literally washed away the ground floor of our premises, which was devastating for the charity and a real upheaval for the clients who rely on us. 

"But we battled through with the help of our great friends at the URC and the Salvation Army, and dozens of dedicated volunteers. We enjoyed a renewed spirit and real commitment to the continuation of our vital services in the community.”

“Work began in January and was finally completed in October. We are really thrilled to be back home and in a welcoming and cosy space. After a year when operational logistics and the refit have dominated we are excited to be planning a sustainable and improved service.”

Manna House’s future plan involves a full range of community services, including a Skills Cafe and a Learning Kitchen, offered in a space where clients feel supported, make friends, get good advice, learn new skills, and feel more equipped - practically and emotionally - to be part of the community and to improve their lives.

“We are organising a programme of fundraising events and working to unlock grant funding, which will secure a bright future for us," said Ms Aldridge. "Our next big fundraising event is the Christmas Auction - as one of our major fundraising events annually, it seems right that it will signal a new start for Manna House.”

“We hope the community will take the opportunity to come and enjoy festive refreshments, bid on some fantastic items, and tick off some of the Christmas presents on their buying list,” she added.

The Christmas Auction will take place from 6.30pm on November 24 at the United Reformed Church in Kendal.