A BRAND new counselling centre is taking shape in Dudley to help the most vulnerable people in the community.

Work is continuing to build the Lighthouse Centre on Salop Street thanks to the hard work of Dudley Community Church, which will house six counselling rooms, a social enterprise cafe and space to help the homeless.

The new building is set to open its doors in February 2020 and promises to be a new community hub.

Pastor Joe Hayes and the team at the church have run Dudley Counselling Service for the past ten years from the refurbished former British Oak pub, but they now need a new home due to growing demand for their help.

The team offer counselling support to every week, alongside running a regular soup kitchen and food bank from the church.

Pastor Joe, who has been based at Dudley Community Church for ten years, said: "We have a lot of skilled volunteers that make it happen.

"We help people from all kinds of backgrounds, we help all ages. We help professionals and people living from pay cheque to pay cheque."

It is hoped the centre will be a hub for the community, by providing a space for people to meet, socialise and help each other.

Work continues to help raise funds for the centre, which will see a Disney-themed Christmas concert take place at Dudley Community Church on December 1.

Professional singers will perform Christmas carols along with much-loved Disney classics, all in aid for the brand new Lighthouse Centre.

The show starts at 6pm and a minimum donation of £5 per person is required at the door.