A SOUTH Lakeland charity which helps the homeless is benefiting from a new head office, thanks to a Kendal church.

Kendal Parish Church is ‘gifting’ Nether Hall to Manna House, through its charitable Kirkland Trust Now planning applications are being submitted to allow for a change of use for the building.

Rob Saner-Haigh, vicar of Kendal Parish Church and chairman of the Kirkland Trust, said: “We are really pleased to be working with Manna House to serve people in our community.

“For us as a church this is just another example of the importance of outreach and of us offering a helping hand and support to those who need it.

“We hope that this new development will provide a warm and welcoming place for this important work.”

Manna House is a registered charity providing advice, advocacy, training and a drop-in support centre for the residents of South Lakeland including those who are vulnerably housed, homeless, lonely or generally needing help.

The charity has been looking for a permanent base for some time.

The new premises have been offered on a long term lease by the Kirkland Trust.

The proposals would see the creation of an additional floor in the premises to provide office space, training facilities, consultation and meeting rooms. There will be no residential accommodation on the site.

Jonathan Brook, chief officer of Manna House said: “We have been looking for a new permanent home for some time. We are pleased to be working with the parish church and look forward to creating a new welcoming and accessible space for our work. We hope to incorporate a high level of green technologies and that local people will be involved in various stages of the development.”

If the planning application is successful, a fundraising campaign will be launched to enable the works to be completed.

It is hoped that Manna House could move to Nether Hall within two years.

More information about Manna House can be found at: www.manna-house.org.uk