A CHARITY that helps feed and clothe those in need will soon be moving into bigger and better premises - just in time for its sixth birthday.

Thanks to the Port of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship (PATCH), which is currently based at Unit C, Haven’s Head Business Park, will move to the nearby former PBI offices.

PATCH co-ordinator Tracy Olin said she was thrilled to find out the charity will soon have a new home.

“PATCH has become so much bigger and better than I ever dreamed of when we first started. We would not be where we are today without the amazing support we see daily,” said Tracy.

“After saying in jest that I would like the old PBI offices just behind our present unit, the Port miraculously said we can have it!

“There are many rooms in the building and we are hoping to offer some to support agencies involved in fighting poverty.”

Speaking on behalf of the Port, Clare Stowell said: “PATCH provides an invaluable and, sadly, much needed service to the local community. As our ‘charity of the year’ we are delighted to be able to support them in their expansion by providing them with larger premises on flexible terms so that they can continue with their fantastic work”.

PATCH is now in need of donations of tables, chairs and office furniture to kit out the new building, and aims to have completed the move by June 1.

There are also plans to open a food bank in Saundersfoot, and Tracy is keen to develop new projects to prevent clients relying on the charity’s ‘basics banks’.

“By allowing clients to become dependent on us we really are not helping them at all,” said Tracy.

Among its latest ventures is a fruit and vegetable co-op run in partnership with the Welsh Government, which offer bags of fresh fruit and vegetables direct from the supplier every Wednesday.