MAJOR improvements to the facilities at Colchester Engagement and Next Steps (CENS) will be on show as part of an open day taking place at the charity today.

Following a national lottery community grant, CENS – which was previously known as Colchester Emergency Night Shelter – has converted all the rooms in its Alexandra Road accommodation to single occupancy with ensuite bathrooms.

The Covid-19 pandemic forced CENS’ closure in 2020, but during that time major improvements were made to the facilities and it then went on to reopen last year.

Today’s open day will allow the charity to thank sponsors, partners, members of the community and local businesses, as well as showcase the refurbishments to donors and supporters of the charity.

The charity has now been running for 38 years, with a CENS spokesman adding they hope to continue to support people for as long as it is needed.

He said: “We are all facing some hard times ahead and our services are under a huge strain with a growing need and rising costs.

“We have some great fundraising plans coming up and are always happy to support anyone who wants to get involved with the work we do.”