Minister asks for unused pews to help homeless

A homeless people’s charity has made a plea for old wooden church pews to help them continue its carpentry classes.

The Grassmarket Mission in Edinburgh helps the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by homelessness.

One of the projects they run is a carpentry programme with woodwork teacher Tom Pringle.

The Rev Richard Frazer, chairman of the Greyfriars Community Project, said they were looking for fresh supplies.

“Old church pews are always welcome for the project. The wood is well seasoned and of very good quality.

“Thanks to our fully equipped workshop we can turn them into almost anything, such as tables, small stools, mirrors and even picture frames."

The aim of the project is to help individuals restore their confidence by gaining new skills.

Other community outreach programmes at the Grassmarket Mission and Greyfriars Community Project include a drop-in canteen, a gardening project and the Grassroots initiative, which offers mentoring and educational opportunities to the hard-to-reach members of society.

The centre has over 100 volunteers made up from local residents, student bodies and churches across Edinburgh. It serves over 500 meals a week.

The minister made the appeal to raise awareness of Homelessness Sunday, which takes place on 25 January and 1 February.