THE Good News church, on Marsh Road, Rhyl had been a beacon in the heart of the town for more than 50 years.

But due to COVID-19, it had to diversify and change how it reached the people in its community.

The main objective was to reach and meet the needs of those who were struggling mentally, physically and holistically.

Simply, it is made up of a small group of Christians who want to support and serve the people in its community.

READ MORE:

Rhyl Air Show will return in 2023 – here’s what to expect!

Abergele bar and restaurant re-opens with new management

Hundreds raised as man sleeps rough on Rhyl High Street for charity

It changed its name to “Good News in the Community” to better reflects its aims and objectives, and most recently gained a perfect food hygiene rating of five.

The centre hosts several different groups which all focus on addiction help, and have a “warm welcome hub” two days a week, which is a free service to all.

On a Tuesday, a vet comes and offers free advice and minor procedures for those who couldn’t otherwise afford it, while on the same night, there is a “men-only” informal meet and greet group.

On Wednesdays, it hosts a “food share” where, for a small contribution, the centre provides a large amount of food.

Thursday is its popular games afternoon, including old favourites such as “Play Your Cards Right” and bingo, plus raffles and refreshments.

Apart from helping with food, the centre also rents an 80ft container which stores furniture to help those moving into properties who have nothing.

One Denbighshire homeless prevention worker said: “We cannot thank Good News enough for all the help that we have received.

“These volunteers always go above and beyond to help our clients create a nice home for themselves.

“This is a vital service in our third sector community who don’t get the recognition that they deserve. We are very thankful for all their help”.

Now that it a food hygiene rating of five, the centre can open its long-awaited community fridge and freezer, thanks to funding received.

It is also looking at running some cooking courses in conjunction with our schools, using foods that would be normally classed as “food waste”.

Natasha Harper, centre manager, said: “Times are tough, and we think that educating the community on ‘best-before’ foods that can quite easily still be used to make hearty food for the family is a must.

“We see the need growing. Poverty is at an all-time high and is not getting any better.

“Why do we do what we do? Simply because our faith in Jesus shows us to ‘love our neighbour’ - to clothe those who are naked, to feed those who are hungry! It's exactly what Jesus would do.

“Our Christian ethos is still at the heart of everything we undertake. We simply want to love those who feel unloved.”