West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has praised the efforts of two local social entrepreneurs who have set up a venture to help homeless people get back on their feet.

Chris Lee and Polly Reehal, who have themselves been homeless, have opened a store in Malvern which sells second-hand items and home-crafted goods made from recycled household items.

They have converted the back of the shop into a workshop to allow homeless people to work there, constructing items for the shop and earning a living wage.

The MP visited the shop last week and chatted to volunteer Di Mangot and Nathan Conway who gave Harriett a House of Commons teapot which he had converted into a table lamp.

Harriett said:

“Chris and Polly’s story is both sad and inspirational. When they were at their lowest ebb, having been made homeless, they were given help by a stranger and a roof over their head.

“Having got back on their feet, the couple then pledged to help the homeless and give them the support that they had enjoyed.

“The shop is a treasure trove of household items for sale but most importantly, it is a space where local disadvantaged people get a chance to get their lives back together and work towards reducing homelessness in our community.”

Chris added:

“We are extremely grateful that Harriett continued with the planned visit to Amaze, despite the tragic events in the south of England only hours before.

“It only demonstrates the commitment that our MP has to support her constituents".

Photo: (l-r) Polly Reehal, Anoop Reehal, Chris Lee, Nathan Conway, Di Mangot, Harriett Baldwin MP