MP’s ‘Helping Hand’ to open new community hub in Hyde arcade

MP Jonathan Reynolds opened the new Helping Hand Community Hub in Hyde’s Borough Arcade.

The move from its old Market Street store to larger premises is to enable the Glossop and Tameside Methodist Circuit to expand the work of the shop.

The new community hub houses a charity shop with excellent quality goods at inexpensive prices and from June 21 will also house a café.

The café will be a space for people to meet but also the hub volunteers will be on hand to chat and offer signposting advice if required.

There are also plans for various community groups to meet on the premises when the shop is closed.

Opening of Helping Hand community hub

The Helping Hand charity shop has been active in Hyde since January 2015. The move to bigger premises is to allow for the expansion of what is being offered to the community.

The hub is supported by the local Methodist churches and money raised from the venture is made available to support other community-based projects through the 16 Methodist churches across Tameside and Glossop.

Rev David Hardman, co-superintendent of the Glossop and Tameside Methodist Circuit and chair of the Helping Hand governance committee said: “This is an exciting time for Helping Hand, and we are looking forward to becoming a real hub in Hyde town centre.

“Over the years our shop has built up strong relationships with our customers, as we move into the new store, we have the chance not just to be a shop but also a place of welcome and hospitality and a source of advice.

“The best way to get a feel for the hub is to come and visit us. Not only will you find quality items for sale but a friendly welcome and the chance to find out more. We also have volunteering opportunities – if you are interested just pop in and see us.”

Mr Reynolds, who officially opened their first store, said: “I was absolutely delighted to have been invited back to officially open the new premises for the Helping Hand charity shop.

“After a very difficult year for us all, it is wonderful to see the shop up and running and open for business. I know everybody involved is delighted with the new space and I really do wish them every success.

“The café will be a great place for people to meet and combat loneliness. Hyde town centre is spread out and there is a need to something like this.

“The volunteers do an amazing job here raising funds for the 16 Methodist churches of the Glossop and Tameside Methodist Circuit and I encourage people to pop along, grab a bargain and in doing so, support the churches and their work in our local communities”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *