THE Guernsey Welfare Service has come a long way since it started out in an Allez Street house. The charity company, which for much of its 110-year history rented offices in the Markets, is this week settling into its new headquarters at St Martin’s Community Centre.

‘It’s like moving to a five-star hotel compared to what it was like in the Markets,’ said social worker Helen Wood.

‘The conditions in the Markets were not good latterly when the work was going on and it was very difficult. But we’ve been rewarded with this wonderful place.’

It occupies space on the upper floor of the centre with the Health and Social Services Department’s learning difficulties service and is the first tenant to have moved in and started work.

Guernsey Welfare – one of the island’s oldest charities – helps people and families in need, particularly mothers and children.

It is not a States department.

Last year, it issued £27,454-worth of vouchers to be spent on food and essential clothing for children.

The service operates four mornings a week and is not charged rent outside of those times as the room is used for other things.

Service stalwart Dorothy Hurrell-Langlois, who began her association with it about 30 years ago, said the new location was fantastic.

There is a lift from the ground floor and a car park at the rear.

* The service is open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to noon.