Trowbridge food bank opens laundry and shower unit for rough sleepers

The Storehouse food bank offers food and washing facilities to people in need

A new shower and laundry unit for rough sleepers has opened in memory of a "loved" homeless man.

Trowbridge Storehouse Foodbank's Hardwick Suite was created to help give people in need a place to wash their clothes and feel "dignity and respect".

It was named after Stephen Hardwick, a regular visitor to the food bank who died earlier this year.

Manager Jill Neighbour said his life "really meant something to our community".

Ms Neighbour said Mr Hardwick was a "loved" member of the community

"It's been really emotional for us as a team," she said.

"He [Mr Hardwick] gave me the biggest lesson in humility that I've ever experienced. He only ever took the food he needed and said he didn't want to take food from others that needed it more."

She said they also discussed how the homeless community "may have the same pair of socks and pants on for a month because there just aren't any [laundry] facilities".

The Hardwick Suite includes free laundry and shower facilities

Ms Neighbour said the suite is a place where people can clean up and put on a new set of clothes

"People can now come in, have a nice clean shower and put on a brand new set of clothes," she added.

"It is all about giving people dignity and respect."

Trowbridge mayor Stephen Cooper attended the opening of the new facilities, which he described as "vital".

Mr Cooper said the work the food bank does is important in the town

"The work they do is really important," he said.

"We've also been through a hell of a year and food prices are still rising at a phenomenal rate. People are now feeling the pinch.

"What really impresses me, is a lot of the team are previous customers of the Storehouse.

"They've benefitted from it and now they are able to give something back - it's an inspiration."