A HAMWORTHY arts charity has said its new and first premises is a 'game changer'.

Art wellbeing charity, The Power House, has acquired its first premises in a former salon and café in Blandford Road and has already begun work to transform the space. 

Project manager and co-founder, Alix Digby-West, 48, said it is an 'absolute joy' to have a permanent space which will allow them to continue the important work with a new office, counselling room and art studio.

Alix said: "We started the Power House seven years ago and my little phrase at the moment is seven years, several viewings of several properties, four proposals. 

"Our plan is to move into the former power station in Poole but we were always looking for a meanwhile hub which would get us able to do things that we need to do to ensure the community has the activities and support that it needs now."

Awarded £200,000 in funding by the National Lottery Reaching Communities, the charity has been able to build itself with the new building the first step in reaching more people. 

Turning the former salon space into an art studio, the sink space into a counselling room and opening the front to remain as a café, Alix hopes to expand the charity's work with the community. 

She said: "Ultimately we're working for the community with the community which is the key thing of the funding.

"We'll use this as a central space to connect with people to hear what they want for the power station site as well and how we can shape our vision accordingly and feed in and work."

Hosting the local community, the premises will host art workshops, a local breastfeeding group, tea and toast for local school children among other activities to fit its aim to be multifunctional. 

Already holding its first event, Alix hopes to improve the wellbeing of Hamworthy residents through art and gardening. 

Alix said: "We had one event here that was perfectly timed and there was such a beautiful, calm atmosphere in the studio."