ROUGH sleepers are being given the chance to learn potentially life-changing skills thanks to a charity project.

Recycles was launched by the Salvation Army, which has started a pop-up coffee shop in the town.

It gives those who are homeless or sleeping rough an opportunity to gain the experience needed to get back into work.

Chloe Kirwin, who works at Recycles, said: “For those who experience homelessness we give them a safe environment and help break that circle.

“It develops life skills and this opportunity is quite meaningful for them.”

This pop-up shop will have participants working on handling money, making food, cleaning and customer service.

Carrying out the work and being a part of community means a lot to those involved.

Chloe told the Adver: “They really enjoy it we take some of the rough sleepers to help and they enjoy making the drinks and interacting with people.

“They like that customer service aspect and the trust we give them is really good, they value that.

"But it’s more than just giving them skills and experience, it can be life-changing.

“It’s really important, they’re at a point in their lives where they’re looking for support. It gives them a reason to come in in the morning, we give them a purpose again,” she said.

“It takes that stigma away from being homeless – there’s always a stigma around it.

"This opportunity can show the community there’s more to these people and that they’re willing to make a change."

Recycles was launched in 2011.

It is based at Booth House on Spring Close, where the charity offer beds to anyone sleeping rough.

But it also has a number of projects running to help change people’s lives.

These include selling bikes, courses in bicycle maintenance and now the coffee shop.

The latter is also helping to raise funds to put towards a £10,000 target to keep the organisation rolling.

Chloe said: “We are fundraising £10,000 for Booth House and our shop has raised some so far. But we have more to fundraise to reach our target.

“People do like the idea that it’s a fundraising project rather than being a big business, so they want to help out.

“I love volunteering here, it’s the most rewarding job I’ve had.

"You can see the difference you make.”

The pop-up coffee shop is running every Monday and Friday between 8am until 10am at the Recycles bike shop in Princes Street.

To get involved or to donate towards their target visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/booth-house-swindon