A former seaside town bar is to be transformed into a therapeutic space by a Suffolk charity.

Emmaus Suffolk, which has a number of wellbeing hubs in Ipswich, is looking to reestablish a drop-in centre in Felixstowe.

It is now seeking help to transform the former Chuffers Bar in Great Eastern Square into a space where visitors can enjoy arts and craft activities.

In addition, the centre will also offer mental health support from the charity's wellbeing team and will be next to the charity's shop in the square.

Ipswich Star: The hub will be next door to Emmaus shop in Great Eastern Square in Felixstowe.The hub will be next door to Emmaus shop in Great Eastern Square in Felixstowe. (Image: Emmaus Suffolk)

Emmaus supports those that are vulnerable, socially isolated or at risk of homelessness.

Ipswich Star: Claire Staddon is the CEO of Emmaus Suffolk.Claire Staddon is the CEO of Emmaus Suffolk. (Image: Emmaus Suffolk)

Claire Staddon, CEO of Emmaus Suffolk, said: “We know there is a need in Felixstowe for wellbeing support and since our last hub, held at Felixstowe Library, shut, the demand has increased.

"We would love this new workshop to feel part of the community from the very beginning. We hope that residents volunteer their time to help us improve the area and the lives of local people.”

The charity is looking for volunteers to help with the transformation project and hopes to open the drop in centre later this summer. 

Once open, the Felixstowe site will open every Wednesday 11am to 2pm.

Ipswich Star: Chuffers Bar in Felixstowe will become a community hub.Chuffers Bar in Felixstowe will become a community hub. (Image: Emmaus Suffolk)

Emmaus currently has five sites across Ipswich and Felixstowe, where it hosts wellbeing hubs, sells pre-loved fashion & furniture, and serves affordable healthy meals from community café, The Royal Oak.

Last year, the charity took over the former BrightHouse shop in Carr Street.

The 3,025ft store brought the charity's bargain furniture, homeware, and preloved clothes and accessories and wellbeing centre under one roof.

Emmaus was also recogised back in February for its work with homelessness charity Hopestead, to win the best use of emerging technology in housebuilding.

The organisations were recognised for its work at the Emmaus Suffolk site in Felixstowe Road.

To register your interest in volunteering or if you’re a community group who would like to use the space, contact community@emmaussuffolk.org.