A SHOP to help those in need of help has welcomed visitors for the first time.

Charity The Brick, which supports people who are homeless, living in poverty or facing debt, has opened a store on Railway Road in Leigh.

It sells goods as well and provides clothes and household items to service users for free.

It is the charity's second shop, alongside its outlet on Gidlow Lane in Wigan.

Wigan Borough mayor Cllr Steve Dawber, performed the official opening of the shop and took part in book folding and sewing demo’s displayed by some of The Brick’s volunteers at the event.

Leigh Journal:

At the opening of the shop

CEO of The Brick Louise Green said: “We are delighted to open the new Brick Shop in Leigh town centre and it made the occasion even more special to have the opening ceremony performed by our Mayor, Cllr Steve Dawber.

“Our first charity shop opened more than 40 years ago and since then it has become a hub for the local community, helping to reduce isolation and supporting. residents.

"And this is what we are looking to achieve with the Brick’s new shop in Leigh.

Wigan Borough mayor Cllr Steve Dawber performed the official opening of the store and took part in book folding and sewing demo’s displayed by some of The Brick’s volunteers at the event.

Leigh Journal:

The Brick's shop on Railway Road in Leigh

READ > Here is the most affordable commuter town within hour of Manchester, according to study

Cllr Dawber said: “The Brick is a fantastic charity which delivers valuable homeless provision in both Wigan and Leigh, supporting people from the moment they walk through the door.

“The new shop in Leigh will inevitably provide a vital lifeline to many through the welfare packages it offers to people referred by the Brick Project and other agencies.

“I urge residents to support the shop with any clothing they can afford to donate especially during the cold winter months.”

Donations of clothing, bric-a-brac, electricals and furniture can be dropped off at the shop.

The Brick’s re-use and retail manager Alice Coren said: “This shop is not just a charity shop, it also has a creative area for upcycling and we will be providing creative classes where people from the community can stop by for a hot drink, to meet others, and to get creative.

"I also want to thank the Brick’s volunteers who give their time to run the shop, we really couldn’t do it without them.”

The shop is open from Monday to Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.

To find out more about The Brick visit http://www.thebrick.org.uk/.