HAVING a wash and somewhere to freshen up is something that most people take for granted.

But for people who are sleeping on the streets of Basingstoke, this luxury is not as easily accessible.

However,thanks to funds raised through the Real Change not Loose Change campaign, a wet room facility has been opened at the Camrose Centre, based in Glebe Hall, St Michael’s Church.

The modern shower suite offers a safe place for homeless people to wash and have a shave with wash kits and fresh towels supplied by the centre.

Run by a collaboration of members of local churches and volunteers under the day-to-day management of Basingstoke Voluntary Action (BVA), the centre offers a comfortable place where visitors can relax and play board games or read, and staff are on hand to offer advice on housing, employment, drugs and alcohol issues.

The Real Change not Loose Change campaign was organised by the BVA on behalf of the Social Inclusion Partnership, with support from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, raising more than £20,000, which also paid for the centre to stay open for an extra day every week.

St Michael’s lay minister and Camrose Centre trustee Mike Browning said: “The community support we have received has allowed us to focus on providing immediate help to street homeless people and vulnerable people recovering from or at risk of losing their homes.

“Camrose has a track record of improving the lives of local people – it makes a tangible difference to hundreds of people each year and has helped many people transform their lives.”

Part of the campaign last year was the night light winter pop-up shelter project which provided a hot meal, a warm bed for the night and an opportunity to seek support. This year’s night shelter project is set to be launched on October 10.