ATHERTON’S shelter for the homeless is proving to be a ‘brilliant’ success.

The Atherton and Leigh Shelter of Hope, housed in the Church of the Nazarene, Tyldesley Road, was opened in early January.

It has been well received by the community and the demand has been so high that people wanting to stay have had to be turned away due to the shelter being full.

The shelter, which is a three-month pilot scheme with hopes high of it becoming a permanent part the church, was opened by Ian Gardener and Warren Done to provide a place for homeless people in the borough to stay.

Warren, who is the manager at Atherton and Leigh Foodbank, said: “The feedback from the community and visitors is just brilliant. One gentleman said it had been a lifesaver for him.”

The man in question was recently resettled in a flat after staying at the shelter regularly since it opened.

Warren said: “He stayed here for the four days and the other days he stayed on a friend’s couch, which relieved the pressure on him a bit, so that has been great to hear.”

Homeless people are able to use the shelter four nights a week, Tuesday to Friday from 7.30pm to 8am.

They are given a bed, shower facilities, a wash bag with associated supplies, a hot meal and breakfast during their stay.

There are 10 beds, which are for all genders, and homeless people have to be referred to use the service on a weekly basis.

The service is manned by 50 volunteers, who have been helping with the running of the shelter over the four nights it’s open.

More than 30 visitors have stayed so far and the shelter is requesting donations such as hats, gloves, scarves, underwear and thermals – anything to help keep homeless people warm.

Warren added: “What I like is that it has brought the community together, which is shown by the churches helping and the amount of volunteers involved.

“We had a lady stay who said she was ‘overjoyed’ to feel safe, relaxed and get a good night’s sleep for once, and that’s just what we want to hear.”

Any referrals for the shelter can be made at the Citizens Advice Bureau, Wigan and Leigh Homes, Atherton Probation Office or through Warren, who can be contacted on 07980 881925.