A COMMUNITY group in Malmesbury is celebrating five years of helping the vulnerable.

HEALS of Malmesbury has helped over 200 individuals and families’ in that time, dealing with issues ranging from health to homelessness, and disability to debt.

The group has been working with community partners such as the police, housing associations and schools, among other things, to help people in their times of need and to get them back on their feet.

HEALS, which stands for Help, Empowerment and Local Support, has also been responsible for helping local people set up businesses.

They also recently put on their second Christmas Community Lunch for the vulnerable, providing more than 60 people with a cooked meal and entertainment.

As the group turns five, a number of people have spoken out about how HEALS has helped them. To protect people’s identities they have been given a false first name.

Jane said: “HEALS of Malmesbury has literally saved my life. I was desperate and didn’t know where to go or who to turn to.

“I was in a situation where I was the victim of domestic violence. HEALS got me legal advice and they listened and helped me every step of the way. I’d like to say a huge thank you.”

Jack said: “I almost gave up on my life. I felt as if things were spiralling out of control.

“I went to HEALS and instantly they knew who I should speak to and they even sent someone with me.

“I feel like a weight has been lifted. Imagine if HEALS wasn't there? Without HEALS I'd have had no one to turn to and they are needed.”

Sue said: “I knew of a person with a disability who was in desperate need of a bed; almost immediately HEALS of Malmesbury was there.

“They sourced and paid for a second hand bed from another charity and it was there within 24 hours. What a great organisation.”

HEALS chairman, town council member Gavin Grant, said: “HEALS is marking its fifth birthday this year and we have never helped more people who have really needed it, raised more money, or had more volunteers‎. So there's a lot to celebrate.

“At the same time there has never been a bigger need for HEALS and demand for our support. If people need help or want to help us provide it then they should get in touch. There's a lot to do in our fifth birthday year.”

Alison Cross-Jones, co-founder and general manager of HEALS, said: “I couldn't have imagined five years ago that HEALS of Malmesbury would still be here and still effectively helping people in their times of need in the community.

“We've faced some difficult challenges with those we've helped and supported but it’s been good to know we've made a difference.

“Over the last five years there's been lots of tears and laughter.

“I've worked with and continue to work with some great people and I'd like to thank each and every one for their support.

“The community deserves a thank you too because without the financial support we receive at HEALS our work would not be possible.

“I hope the community continues to support HEALS because in doing so they are supporting those most at need in our community.”

Co-founder of HEALS, Paul Treacy, said: “Malmesbury and the Cotswolds area is affluent but there is some hidden, rural poverty that is not as well covered.

“Lots of people are alienated or struggling but don’t want to admit it to families, and the services they need might not be in rural areas.

“A problem shared is a problem halved. HEALS is there to look at what their needs are, and if we have to forward them to other services, we do.

“Five years is a huge milestone. We’ve come further than we thought we would. We’re not saying everything is done and dusted, but it’s looking good.

“From what we’ve started from, we never thought we’d get this far.”

To find out more about the services HEALS provides in the community, or to donate, visit healsmalmesbury.com