PCC visits Helping Hands charity to lend support

Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston has lent his support to a charity which provides a vital lifeline for alcoholics who have become homeless.

 The Helping Hands charity, which has been established in Chelmsford for just over two years, seeks to help those suffering an alcohol problem who have lost their homes as a result.

The charity has a double property in Brockley Road, Chelmsford where those who have become homeless are offered residential accommodation as well as counselling sessions, group therapy and support in dealing with other agencies and services such as the council.

Nick Alston visited Helping Hands during an open day at their Brockley Road premises on Wednesday. He spoke to the trustees of the charity, dedicated volunteers supporting the residents living there as well as speaking to some of the recovering alcoholics currently residing at the home.

He said: “I was very impressed to see the work and commitment of the Helping Hands charity to support recovering alcoholics who have reached perhaps the lowest point in their lives by becoming homeless.

“I was also very moved to hear from some of the residents themselves who clearly, thanks to the support they have received, are slowly, but surely, piecing their lives back together.”