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The founder of a Nottingham-based charity originally aimed at helping refugees, has turned her attention to local poverty.

Mesopotamia was set up in 2015 by mum-of-three Rachel Miller following her experiences helping refugees abroad.

Mrs Miller, 43, has visited war zones and refugee camps in areas like France, Greece and Turkey which led to the creation of Mesopotamia and its charity shop, in Valley Road, Basford.

The charity has been able to provide much-needed items as well as donations to help families in conflicted countries overseas.

But increasingly, Mrs Miller, of Cinderhill, said there has been a growing need for help in the shop's local area in Nottingham.

She said: "Austerity has impacted this community so much.

"We help a lot of homeless people, but increasingly we see workers on zero-hour contracts and families on Universal Credit.

"There is a lot of poverty around and these situations are not kind.

"I just felt I couldn't help people 4,000 miles away and not help people on my doorstep."

(Image: Nottingham Post)

While the shop has been able to offer the occasional hot drink to a rough sleeper and lollipops for children, Mrs Miller said it "got to a point where we had to do something".

"I gave a little boy a lollipop at about 4pm, and it had been the first thing he'd eaten all day," she added.

"People are struggling to feed their children especially on the weekends and in the holidays."

By taking over the unit next door, the charity has opened a community café alongside its shop, and plans to offer a pay-as-you-feel menu for anyone who is struggling.

"From 8am until 9.30am breakfast is available for free or whatever you can afford. It's great for children before school, or homeless people can come in, charge their phones," Mrs Miller said.

"There's no judgement and we won't ask - you just have to order off 'Jack's Menu'. Lunch will be available too, things like soup.

"If you can contribute something, that's great, you can also pay it forward."

'Jack's Menu' is inspired by Jack Holmes, a friend of Mrs Miller who was killed overseas in 2017 while volunteering to fight ISIS.

(Image: Nottingham Post)

Mrs Miller said she hopes the café will also help to connect with more people in the area and provide them with other things they may need.

The shop provides clothing, furniture and bedding to buy for a small cost but for those who desperately need it, it's free.

"Some people just need socks. Others need a chat or a cry. It's about more than money, but giving people some comfort," she added.

Mrs Miller is at the shop and café every day alongside volunteers, some of whom are refugees themselves.

She said: "Many refugees here have no right to work, and that can be very isolating. We take on homeless people too if they want to help.

"They all have stories. It helps them get off the streets and feel valued."

(Image: Nottingham Post)

Pennah Wambui, 32, is originally from Kenya but has spent the last three years in the UK as a refugee.

Pennah has volunteered at the shop five days a week since she moved to Nottingham five months ago.

She said: "I was just so happy to find people that are nice and friendly, to just have fun with. It helps me to forget about my problems.

"I enjoy helping people, learning about the English culture.

"Through serving customers, I meet a lot of people and I know what they are going through. It makes me happy to see what I can do.

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"I have gone through a lot but I was shocked to see homeless people here, and to hear about the death of a rough sleeper in Nottingham.

"I wouldn't usually get to speak to people on the street but here, everyone is together. I look forward to coming everyday."

Mesopotamia's shop and cafe is open daily except Sundays - 553-557 Valley Rd, Nottingham NG5 1JE

For more information or to donate visit www.mesopotamia.org.uk