A NEW Christian charity which helps people struggling with addictions and criminality turn their lives around is searching for a base to work from.

Freedom for Life Ministries, which was only registered as a charity at the end of October, is also looking for volunteers and financial backing to help realise its ambition of addressing some of the Island’s social problems.

The charity wants to set up a Dream Centre in St Helier as a community resource and as a base for its work and a residential service in the future, and they are currently considering a number of possible sites, including the former Seaton Chapel.

Founded on the basis that every person matters, the charity will work with individuals who have lost their way in life by addressing their physical, emotional and spiritual needs through prayer, mentoring and group work based on initiatives such as the 12-step programme used by groups like Alcoholics Anonymous.

Founded by Kevin Houiellebecq, a social worker who has worked with the probation and after-care services in Jersey, the charity will work in partnership with local churches and other agencies to offer support and rehabilitation based on Christian beliefs.

‘At the end of last year I met a man who was planning his own suicide and he heard me speak and said it had given him hope. From that I realised that what I should be doing is helping people like that as there are so many who want to break free from the cycle,’ said Mr Houiellebecq.

And he said that God is often what is missing from the lives of people caught up in addiction and criminality. ‘People who are now coming through and finding hope will say themselves that what has been missing is God. Everybody wants to be loved and to love and many people try and fill that void in other ways, but that is what God offers.’

All volunteers will be given training and support and those using the service do not need to be Christian and will not be required to join a church. People are also being asked to become prayer partners who will commit to praying for the work of the charity and will be sent regular prayer updates.

• Anyone wanting more information about Freedom for Life Ministries or to offer support can contact Mr Houiellebecq on 07829 788799 or e-mail info@freedomforlife.org.uk.