THE Salvation Army in Barrow is opening its doors seven days a week for the first time to offer more support to people.

The branch's citadel building is now open on Saturdays so residents can drop by, meet friends or get help for problems they might have.

More than 1,000 people walk through the doors of the community hub every week and the new opening times on Saturday hopes to accommodate the increasing demand.

Greater need

Lt Martin Davison, leader of The Salvation Army in Barrow, said: "We are trying to make it more accessible that it's probably ever been.

"The Salvation Army is a link that tries to point people in the direction where they can get help.

"Some people aren't aware what's in the community and what help and support is available.

"When your head's in a spin you don't always realise and then there are people who come here for the friendship groups."

The Saturday opening will predominately function on a drop-in basis, with volunteers on hand to point troubled individuals towards the likes of community services, addiction support and Barrow Foodbank.

There are around 30 volunteers in Barrow and the demand to support people in debt and with money problems has never been higher.

135 years of history

The Salvation Army was first established in Barrow in 1881 in Duke Street on the site of the current Wilkinson's store and moved to larger premises in 1910, still its landmark Citadel home in Abbey Road.

Across the week, the Salvation Army operates the following services:

+ Community café from Monday to Friday

+ 'Sally Tots' on Tuesday and Thursday mornings

+ Lunch club and friendship group every Wednesday

+ Church services on Sunday at 10.30am and 3pm

Five facts about the Salvation Army

1- The Salvation Army was founded by William Booth in London in 1865 as he believed mainstream churches were too middle-class and unable to get Bible messages across to working-class people.

2- There are approximately 54,000 members of the Salvation Army in the UK, including senior and junior soldiers.

3- There are more than 800 church units across Britain.

4- Music is an important feature of the Salvation Army and its first official band was established in 1879.

5- The core principles of the Salvation Army are set out in its 11 articles of faith, including the belief that there are three persons in the Godhead - the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.

Find out more

For full information on The Salvation Army's programme and opening times, call 01229 433550 or visit the The Salvation Army in Barrow Facebook page.