Funds needed for Salvation Army Exeter building refurb

The Salvation Army launches a fundraising appeal to modernise its building at Friars Gate in Exeter

The building located in the centre of the city needs a new roof – which will be fitted with solar panels to save energy - new windows and toilets, and an overhaul of its ground floor to create a more flexible worship and community space.

Serving the Exeter community since 1881, The Salvation Army team gives support to people of all ages, including specialist support for jobseekers, food parcels for struggling families, parent and toddler groups, dementia-friendly singing sessions and help for people who are homeless. The building is also used by other groups for rehearsals and meetings – including a children’s choir.

Major Robert Elliott at The Salvation Army Exeter said: “Our building has been a safe and welcoming space for thousands of people in our wonderful city who have come through our doors to ask for help or to worship with us.

“It saddens me to say that we are now seeing an increase in the numbers of people who are struggling with rising living costs or experiencing homelessness. This is why it is more important than ever that we modernise our building to continue to meet the needs of the most vulnerable people in our community.

“We are asking the people of Exeter to help us raise funds for our building project. Whether through local businesses, schools, universities or indeed any group who might nominate us as their charity of the year, to individual donations from people who can afford to, we will be grateful for every penny raised.”

Work on the building will start this August and be completed by spring 2024. The majority of activities will continue to be held in the building’s Lower Ground Community Hall – using the Lucky Lane entrance – while the refurbishment is underway. Sunday services will be held in the Cygnet Theatre opposite the building starting from 6 August.

People can generously donate what they can afford to www.justgiving.com/page/the-salvation-army-exeter-temple-building-for-the-future-project

Cheques – made payable to The Salvation Army – can be posted to Building for the Future, The Salvation Army, Friars Gate, Exeter, EX2 4AZ.

For more information about the project or to donate, contact: exeter.temple@salvationarmy.org.uk, telephone  01392 216 553, or visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/exeter-temple