Centre 'improves quality of life'

Staff will provide "life skills" training to homeless people

A project which provides support to homeless people in Rhyl has been given a new permanent home.

Canolfan Dewi Sant, which also helps people with substance misuse problems and mental health issues, was opened by Social Justice Minister Dr Brian Gibbons.

Facilities include a kitchen, showers, launderette, training facilities and a communal socialising area.

Denbighshire Council said there was "no other centre like this".

The project, funded by the council and other agencies, has already been running for 12 months , but has never had its own building.

It was previously run at a Salvation Army building.

Staff provide support and offer advice and "life skills" training.

Councillor Sharon Frobisher, Lead Member for Community Safety, said: "There is no other centre like this in Wales or England."

Roly Schwarz, Denbighshire's Community Safety Manager, said: "The centre also offers the chance for people to come off the streets and improves their quality of life.

"They are discouraged from following a life of crime and crime levels have dropped as a direct result of better facilities being available."