THE recent cold weather has seen a significant increase in support being sought by homeless people in the city.

And homelessness charity Alabaré Christian Care & Support is appealing for more help.

The charity’s drop-in centre, run from Alabaré Place in Barnard Street, has seen record numbers of people seeking help, with 56 people visiting in a single session last Monday.

The centre provides hot meals and drinks, as well as giving access to hot showers and clothes washing facilities.

Staff also hand out sleeping bags and dry winter clothes to individuals, some of whom are spending long periods out in the freezing weather.

Centre manager Doreen Knight said: “People are coming to us to get out of the awful weather. We’ve served over 100 meals in the last few days; they just want to be warm and inside for as long as possible.

“Most have got some form of accommodation, whether it’s through Alabaré or other means, but some still struggle to afford heating or hot dinners, and others literally have nowhere. “We can help them with warm clothing and sleeping bags and try and get them shelter for the night.”

The charity is also providing severe weather emergency accommodation to rough sleepers who would otherwise be forced to endure nights out in the snow and ice.

The provision, which is in addition to the charity’s usual accommodation service, has been full each night since the freezing weather set in.

Alabaré would like to thank all the Journal readers who have recently donated much-needed sleeping bags, food and clothes.

Anyone would would like to make a donation can call 01722 322882 or visit the centre.