The Link, in Haverhill, a community information and advice centre set up by The Salvation Army, celebrates its first birthday

An information and listening service set up by The Salvation Army in Haverhill’s High Street a year ago is now helping up to 100 people every week.

To celebrate a year of The Link, members of the public and volunteers joined Major Wendy Goodman, who leads Haverhill Salvation Army, for coffee, cake and a chat.

Major Goodman said: “The Link is all about creating community connections.

“People come in asking for help with a range of issues including help with form filling, support with mental health and dealing with bereavement and we are able to direct them to organisations that we think can help.

“We also have a number of different groups using the building.

“They include organisations supporting the victims of domestic violence, the Men’s Shed use it as a meeting place and the Volunteer Bureau and Haverhill Foodbank are among others who come here.

“We couldn’t just be a listening ear and nothing else.”

Some of the people who initially came to visit the service have ended up joining the team and are now blossoming as volunteers to Wendy’s delight.

She said: “Projects like this are about building relationships. The volunteers have stepped up brilliantly, chatting to people who come in and signposting them to any services which may be of help.

“If someone comes in looking worried and anxious, we want them to leave with a smile on their face and with some practical guidance to work though the issues they are facing.”

The Link is open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

Heavily involved in its inception were the Salvation Army’s territorial envoys for Haverhill, Russell and Alison Day, who have since left the town.

For more information or to volunteer, call 01440 702134 or email thelinkhaverhill@salvationarmy.org.uk