HOMELESS charity Threshold are appealing to the public to donate warm blankets and coats as the cold winter draws in.

Threshold runs the direct access emergency hostel, Culvery Court, as well as a number of different houses and support services to help people who find themselves homeless around Swindon.

But as a charity it relies on donations of warm clothing, food and blankets to keep running and continue to support Swindon’s most needy people.

This winter is expected to be one of the coldest yet, and the charity is appealing for more blankets to be donated to keep people warm.

Babs Harris, Business Manager at Threshold, said: “The shortage of blankets and coats is a big problem, and sometimes although we might have them they may not come back.

“Very soon the weather is going to change and it is going to get colder, and people are going to need more blankets and coats just to stay alive.

“There aren’t always enough beds to put people in, and then we have to do our best to help those left on the streets, which means taking them blankets and giving them something hot to drink.

“Some of these people don’t have families or friends to go to. They have nowhere else to go.

“And more people are becoming homeless after their benefits are cut or their relationships break down.”

Each year more than 750 people turn to Threshold for help.

Many have mental or physical disabilities, have trouble keeping work, are ex-offenders or have substance misuse issues.

Sometimes they are escaping from exploitation, abuse or violence.

At Threshold, people can seek the advice and information they need to turn their lives around, and they can also have a warm bed and hot food in their bellies.

People can also help to support the homeless by taking part in a charity sleep out on Friday.

From 10pm at Immanuel United Reform Church in Upham Road fundraisers can find out what it is like to sleep on the streets, under the stars and open to the elements.

The charity are also looking for volunteers to help out at their Day Centres, which are held at St Luke’s Church every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12pm to 2pm.

Visitors to the day centres can enjoy sandwiches, hot soup and have an opportunity to sit down and enjoy good company.

They can also speak to a support worker and seek advice on any problems they might have.

To donate food, blankets and warm coats take the items to Culvery Court in Harding Street.

For more information about volunteering and the charity Sleep Out or to find out how to apply call Threshold on 01793 524661 or email adminthreshold@thl.org.uk.

To find out more about Threshold visit www.thl.org.uk.