A LEADING mental health charity has taken over the oldest church in Colchester.

Mid and North East Essex Mind was chosen to be the new leaseholder of Holy Trinity Church, the historic Grade I listed building in Trinity Street which was previously occupied by the GO4 Market Café.

Colchester councillors Mark Cory, Tina Bourne, Tim Young and various council officers were on the decision panel which reviewed applications from those expressing an interest in the lease.

An unanimous decision was reached to go ahead with Mid and North East Essex Mind, subject to contract.

James McQuiggan, chief executive of the regional charity, said: “We’re extremely pleased to have had our application accepted with the intention of creating a successful community hub for those in need.

“The intention is to work in partnership with the council to ensure the hub allows for opportunities for those with mental health conditions to receive peer support and additional training opportunities.

"Naturally there are further conversations to be had around how this would be managed but we welcome this opportunity to look to create something which suits the needs of the community now, and for the future.”

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Holy Trinity Church is one of the oldest buildings in Colchester.

Parts of the Saxon church date to 1000 AD with other features added in the 14th, 15th and 19th centuries.

Its Grade I listed status underlines its unique historical importance.

Colchester Council will be working closely with the charity, which has offices in Mersea Road, and in Clacton and Maldon, to try to bring the building back into use as soon as possible.

A spokesman for the judging panel said: “We’re delighted we’ve found an organisation which shares our desire to bring this historic building back into use.

“Not only to safeguard its conservation and cultural heritage, but to open its doors to new uses and activities as a community space for years to come.

“The new lease ensures Holy Trinity Church, which is such a part of Colchester’s heritage, remains an important part of our future.”

READ MORE: 'HOW COLCHESTER MIND HELPED ME FROM SELF-HARM TO SUPPORTING OTHERS'

Mid and North East Essex Mind is an independent charity supporting children from the age of five to adults.

For more information, visit mnessexmind.org or for general inquiries call 01206 764600.

Access out-of-hours or crisis support at mnessexmind.org/how-we-can-help/out-of-hourscrisis-support.