Haverhill Salvation Army to open new community service

The Salvation Army leaders in Haverhill, Russell and Alison Day, are delighted to announce that a new information and listening service organised by the church and charity in the town is set to open later this month.

Territorial Envoy Alison Day had a vision for The Link in September 2020. On 25 January at 11.30am, Major Howard Russell, Divisional Commander of the East of England Division together with Haverhill town mayor Councillor Bruce Davidson, will cut the ribbon at 45A High Street where The Link will be based.

Alison, who said final preparations are well underway, gave more details about what’s on offer at The Link.

She said: “Our tagline for the project is Creating Community Connections. We wanted this project to be housed on the high street in a highly visible and neutral space, so we have leased an empty shop premises. The Link is a free community information and listening service. Anyone can drop in to find out what is on offer in the area from a database that Russell has been compiling. This includes information on local groups, services, charities and organisations.”

As well as an information point, The Link will also provide a listening service with volunteers on hand to chat and, if needed, to signpost people to any services that may be of help. It will also serve as a warm space for anyone in need of warmth and community to share with others.

Russell said he and Alison wanted The Link to be somewhere where people can come for pastoral love and care on the High Street. The Salvation Army is leading on the project with the support of Haverhill Churches Together and Russell stressed anyone is welcome to drop in.

He said: “Any church should be an organisation devoted to both members and non-members. In years gone by, The Salvation Army may have walked up and down the street playing brass instruments to engage with people, but today, the world has changed. We need to think about a new way of meeting people and telling them they are loved by God as well as pointing them in the direction of practical things.”

Alison and Russell paid tribute to everyone who has helped get The Link off the ground.

From 26 January, The Link will be open from 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Friday, with plans to extend the days and hours as more volunteers are recruited.

If you would like more information on The Link or would like to volunteer, call 01440 702134 or email thelinkhaverhill@salvationarmy.org.uk