Charity set to reopen following refurbishment

A Blackburn Charity catering for young people and their families is set to re-open following a £65,000 refurbishment.

The Cheets, in Lawrence Street, has undergone a dramatic transformation thanks to help from social landlord Twin Valley Homes, a member of the Together Housing Group. This has been made possible using grants provided by the Trusthouse Charitable Foundation, the Garfield Weston Foundation and the John Paul Getty Trust.

In the past, some rooms were unusable due to the poor state of the roofing, which meant volunteers were been severely limited in what they could do.

But the centre has undergone a radical transformation in recent months and will once again become the hub of the community.

The Cheets will serve hot meals on certain days, and provide games, arts and homework support and will be staffed by a pool of trained volunteers.

Angela Stuttard, Group Head of Asset Management for Together Housing said: “This is a fantastic community venture and we’re very proud to have supported it.

“This will be a hub of activity in the community, and we’re very excited to have The Cheets ready to help people.

“It’s a far cry from the old building and we’re excited and the possibilities for the community.”

Sinclair Morris, the Cheets Facilities Manager said “Since the builders finished the volunteers have been working hard cleaning up and decorating the place so it is in pristine condition for the re-opening

The kids that have been in for a peek are over the moon with the new facilities and we are expecting an increase in numbers over the months ahead.

We will also able to use the premises during the day to accommodate a number of support projects catering for local families”.