THE vital work of a charity helping Wirral's homeless and needy continues, at a reduced scale, due to concerns over the Coronavirus pandemic.

Following advice on the homeless strategy and guidelines to prevent bringing people into congregated settings, the Charles Thompson Mission, in Hemingford Street Birkenhead is currently closed to the public, opening at reduced hours to provide those who are homeless and in night shelters with food and items they may need outside of the mission.

As a result it will be open:

  • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for homeless breakfasts between 7am and 8.30am.
  • Monday and Tuesday (for anyone) for food between 6pm and 7.30pm.
  • Saturday for homeless breakfasts between 7.30am and 9am.
  • Monday-Friday for donations between 9am and 1pm.

Mission manager Bernie Frost told the Globe today: "Due to the current coronavirus situation, we are keeping updated with information and following government guidelines along with advice from collaborative centre for inclusional health in order to minimise the risk of spread of infection."

In a renewed appeal for public support, he continued: "In order to do help, we are currently in need of plastic / polystyrene take away trays, take away cups & disposable cutlery.

"Donations of hand wash and hand sanitiser would also be appreciated.

"We are continuing to keep updated with advice and guidance and thank the community for their continued support and genorosity."

Praising support for the charity, Mr Frost continued: "Wirral Foodbank has been very good to us, which is thanks also to donations from the public."

The mission was opened in 1892 by Charles Thompson.

He died in 1903, but his goals lived on through daughter Annie who took over and was the charity's Lady Superintendent for 60 years.

She was awarded the MBE in 1953 for services to the people of Birkenhead.

The mission provides food, furniture, clothes, healthcare, counselling services and even toys for the borough's poorest children.

It is now run by Bernie Frost, who first got involved 14 years ago as a volunteer and has been manager for seven years.

A recent sleep-out in aid of the Charles Thompson Mission in raised an incredible £13,800.80.

People swapped their warm beds for a cold night on the street on November 29 for the Wirral charity helping the homeless and needy.

Around 60 people laid out their sleeping bags in the carpark of the mission's premises in Hemingford Street in exchange for donations to the charity.

Praising the public's generosity. Amy Stanley, a volunteer and fundraiser at the mission said recently: "The support we receive each year for this event is incredible and the money raised helps us to continue to help those in need within our community.

"We wouldn't be able to do what we do without the generosity of the public getting involved to support us.

"This is nothing like sleeping rough but it gives people an insight into homelessness, the issues faced and the work we do at the Mission.

"The night was dry but temperatures dropped to minus figures and we woke up to everything frozen so big well done to all those who took part.

"This was our fourth year doing our Sleep Out Event and its so heartwarming to see the community come together and want to help those in need."

Among those praising the mission's work was Janet.

She said on the charity's website: "I got help from the nurse at the Mission when I really needed it.

"I don't know what would have happened otherwise."

For details on how you can help, call 0151 647 7303 or go to its website www.charlesthompsonsmission.org.uk