A PROJECT helping people in transient accommodation and the homeless is set to celebrate its first Christmas in its hub.

The Free Project CIC has premises at Brunswick Street, Blackburn, where people can go to relax, do activities and get emotional support.

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They can also get clothing and toiletries, hot drinks, toast and cakes and access to a washing machine.

The volunteer-run project also runs an outside feed on Sunday nights which it has done since it tarted in August last year.

Volunteers are set to put on a spectacular Christmas with the public generously donating goods.

Emma Hammond, who helped found the project, said: “We have been donated a fabulous Christmas tree and loads of decorations to make the hub look festive.

“On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day there will be non-alcoholic mulled wine and mince pies.

“One of our amazing volunteers and her husband have donated a turkey. The guests from the hub have asked if they can make a mini Christmas meal together.”

Emma added it was not just about handing out free food but “helping people to change their lives for the better”.

She was inspired to help start The Free Project after she and her husband lost their home and she realised that, “if it can happen to us it can happen to anyone”.

She said: “We don’t have a large street sleeping community in Blackburn. What we have is a lot of people in transit accommodation who have a roof over their heads and that’s it.

“They have had jobs and families and for whatever reason ended up like that. It strips them of their dignity.”

When people have been guests for between six and nine months they are invited to volunteer for the project, she added.

“We feel it is about giving people a bit of a step up.”

The hub is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

Contact the project on 07505 275145 or find them on Facebook.