Big weekend for Dewsbury Cares Community Group as market set to close

Dewsbury Cares Community Group will be moving to new premises behind The Station Hotel on Crackenedge Lane.

The Care Station is set for its grand opening this Sunday, September 27, at 2pm.

The kind-hearted volunteers have been based in a little unit at Dewsbury Market but the group’s last day there will be tomorrow (Friday, September 25), with traders at the historic site moving into temporary containers on Saturday, September 26, across Foundry Street and Market Place.

Before the move, volunteers from the group will be taking part in a rough sleeping event in the vicinity of the sheltered market on Saturday, September 26, from 5pm through to 5am on Sunday morning.

Clare Costello, a volunteer at the group said: “We did it last year and we know it is only just a taster of what they go through. We can go home to our food, beds and comfortable surroundings, and they can’t.

“For us it is about highlighting rough sleeping in Dewsbury and other areas. We know it is a massive issue and we are trying to champion the cause and hoping it prompts action.

“People gravitate to town centres because they know that is where services and support exist, and as the weather starts to change it becomes even more difficult.”

On the upcoming move, which will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony and live entertainment and refreshments from 2pm on Sunday, Clare said:

“It is super exciting. We will make it look absolutely gorgeous and really inviting. It will be well-maintained and well-looked after.

“It will be absolutely game changing for us. We were massively grateful to Kirklees Council to have our other unit, especially after Covid because the need was there. Now we will be able to let people come in, get warm and enjoy social time.

“There will be a TV, games, karaoke and a proper fitted kitchen which has been kindly donated. It will function as a proper working space.”