A Brecon church is opening a safe place for vulnerable people to collect coats this winter.

St David’s Church, based in Llanfaes, Brecon, is unveiling a place for vulnerable people to collect coats, as the cost of living crisis hits Brecon and Radnorshire this winter.

The idea came following church pastor, the Rev’d Richard Wootten’s, interaction with a Ukrainian refugee who couldn’t afford to buy a coat from a charity shop.

“I was talking to a lady, she mentioned she had only been in Britain for about four days, and she arrived without a winter coat,” he said,

“People were suggesting she was going to go charity shop but she didn’t have any money.

“I think there are a lot of people in the situation, who are struggling similarly, so we felt the proper Christian response would be to do something about the situation.”

The 49-year-old believes that this won’t be the only charitable venture taken on by St David’s Church - claiming it is the Church’s duty to be there for people.

“I see it as the Church’s role to help. They’ve always been here at times of need, but Jesus always said feed the hungry, clothe the naked and give shelter to people.”

“We will also look to launch other projects as well, that’ll be spirit led and spirit driven, so I think as Christians and a community we are called to help the poorest.

“I don’t want to veer into politics but the reality is we need to do something to go some way to helping people, the need is wages need to go up, bills need to go down.

“I don’t have an answer for that but what I can do is create a space in Llanfaes”, he said.

If you wish to donate to the safe space, please visit St David’s Church, Brecon, in Llanfaes, LD3 9DP