Luncheon Club is plan for Open Door

The initiative is aimed at assisting the marginalised and elderly people of the town and surrounding areas.

A spokesperson for the Centre, Anne Steele, felt there was a need for such a facility given that many in the area were “lonely and depressed.”

She said the Club would create an avenue where people with mental health issues could meet others and gain some valuable help.

Since the Centre opened almost two years ago, the work of those involved has expanded reflecting much commitment and effort by volunteers who are there from 10am to 5pm six days each week.

This Saturday (June 11) from 10am to 3pm the Centre is hosting a special fundraising event for the persecuted church in North Korea and Asia.

All the proceeds of sales will be sent to Open Doors to support the suffering church in those areas.

Mrs Steele revealed that they will also fundraise for another children’s charity called “Spudbear” in the autumn.

“Spudbear, as you may already know, places electronic teddy bears in classrooms (alarms are raised through these devices) in eastern Europe where there is a major threat from ISIS kidnapping whole classes of children, so giving them warning and time to escape,” she said.

The Centre is largely self-funding and the premises are open to all ages from school children through to the elderly, disabled people, ethnic minorities and lonely or isolated people. Items of clothing and bric-a-brac are also on sale.

The drop-in centre will also provide signposting to various courses for anyone who is interested.

If anyone can help, please email [email protected] or call 07749476275.

In relation to all of the purposes of The Open Door Ballymoney, the direct benefits can include; the advancement of education and relief of poverty and unemployment, the enhancement of the physical and mental health, the promotion of social inclusion, learning new crafts and skills.