HOMELESS people will be able get free tea and coffee thanks to a new project that started in Salisbury this week.

The project provides homeless people with free reusable mugs for hot drinks - known as thermo mugs.

They can take their mug into a café which supports the project and hand over a token for a free tea or coffee.

These cafés so far include Boston Tea Party, The Natural Eating Company and Carwardine’s.

Local charities including Alabare, John Baker House and others have also been part of the project.

The aim of the scheme is not only to provide the homeless with free hot drinks, but also to help integrate them into society.

The campaign is trying to ensure that homeless people do not feel alienated and feel welcome when they walk into a coffee shop.

The project is run by the Austin Cohen Global Foundation.

Mr Cohen, the founder of the project, has volunteered with homeless charities for the past ten years and left his job to get the project under way this year.

He said: “Hot drinks are not always a priority for homeless people, who often spend money on alcohol or drugs.

"I hope this project will produce a positive impact on individual lifestyles."

The project has already received lots of support from the Salisbury community, who have shown their generosity through their donations and backing.

This included Moles Country Stores, which donated the thermo mugs worth hundreds of pounds.

Mr Cohen said: "I'm amazed by the phenomenal feedback that the project has received."

The project has so far launched in Salisbury, but Mr Cohen believes it could become a national initiative.

Nicki Vigor, Alabaré Place drop in centre manager, said: “Hopefully this project will not only be about providing a hot drink, but will also break down some barriers and for those that are homeless to feel part of the community."