A NEW home has been found for a city centre women-only foodbank and drop-in service.

Provisions offered by Brighton Women’s Centre (BWC) were affected last month due to funding cuts and their base in Kemp Town was closed.

A counselling service provided by the organisation has been halted for the time being and their foodbank has been operating from temporary premises

Now the foodbank and drop-in service is able to put down roots at St Mary’s Church in St James’s Street.

Lisa Dando, director at Brighton Women’s Centre, said: “The continuation of these services is critical to so many women and their families.”

The foodbank is regularly used by more than 100 women in the city and will open weekly in the Assembly Rooms at the church every Wednesday afternoon from July 25. A drop-in service will also be available from 2pm to 4pm on Wednesday afternoons at the same location.

These sessions offer women a chance to chat with others and get information and advice on other services who can help them. There are IT facilities available to use and women who come to the sessions can be referred to the foodbank or holistic therapies also offered by the organisation.

While the team at BWC is pleased it can now operate a regular service from Kemp Town once again, there is still concern for families living on the edge of the city.

Ms Dando said: “We recognise that many women living in outlying parts of the city are isolated and unable to access centralised services.

“Later in the year we are introducing weekly drop-in sessions in Moulsecombe and Bevendean and Hangleton and Knoll to address the high levels of need that have been identified.

“Our work will continue in partnership with Mothers Uncovered, who will organise regular groups and workshops.

“It will enable BWC to maintain a safe and welcoming space for our 1,000 long-term service users while ensuring we reach out to more women and meet their needs.”