A HOMELESS charity is appealing for help after seeing the number of rough sleepers it helps in Swindon double.

Alternative Angels has seen more women and seniors in need of its help.

Jane Richards, 49, is the founder of the charity and started it five years ago.

She said: “We have seen growth in the number of people who need our help – it has shocked me.

“I don’t see it getting better. More females are homeless, which used to be quite rare. We’re also seeing more of an older generation. A lot of them would have typically been addicts and I don’t know why it’s happening but it’s very strange.”

In the beginning Alternative Angels saw 20 people come to it for food and support per night.

But at the start of 2019 the figure was 30 and towards the end of the year it doubled to 60 every night.

Jane told the Adver: “I never judge them or tell them what to do but I do point them into the right direction.

“It doesn’t help with rising bedroom tax and stuff like that. It’s scary for people and that’s why I won’t give up.”

As part of Jane’s job and the volunteers who help her, they go out on various nights a week to the Wyvern Theatre car park. On Monday and Tuesdays they offer food and drinks to rough sleepers.

“Some have come out of prison with nowhere to go and not much with them. It’s just sad to see,” Jane said.

“They’re all so grateful for our help you do get the odd one who is rude but that’s rare and the job is fulfilling. So many people are close to being homeless and it’s nice that there’s a place for them to go to.”

But now as the number of people needing help rises, the Angels is calling on people for their financial support.

It hopes to raise £450 with 80 per cent of it already donated. Jane told the Adver: “Everyone is Swindon is so generous. Last week I asked online for some hot chocolate and now I have enough to open a chocolate factory. So I’m hoping they will help us to reach this goal.”

The Angels has seen many people turn their lives around, Jane says she remembers one person in particular.

She said: “One guy called Matthew struggled with drugs and drinking and his family split-up. He went into rehab and now he’s three years sober. I’m still in contact with him to see how he is doing.

“Others have found a place to live and have got jobs. Then they come back round to help us, so it all comes back around.”