YVETTE Berry has been to a special morning tea this morning to celebrate 10 years of the Early Morning Centre, which provides assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness in the ACT.

Five mornings a week the Centre provides free breakfasts, delivering up to 4,500 meals every six months.

“The Early Morning Centre is a great example of the spirit, hope and goodwill of Canberrans, particularly when thinking about the Centre’s committed staff and volunteers, the Friends of the Early Morning Centre, who give so much of their time to help those in need,” Yvette said.

“As well as breakfasts the Centre operates as a drop-in centre, providing individual case management and information and referral services – as well as shower, laundry and mail collection facilities.

“Every Tuesday morning it operates a free health service and this year the Centre provided free flu shots to everyone who wanted one.

“The Centre is vital in providing accessible pathways to services and support and fostering greater social inclusion and participation for Canberrans, particularly those most in need in our community.

“I would like to thank the Early Morning Centre, its staff and volunteers for their commitment, compassion and hard work and congratulate them on their 10th anniversary.”