HOMELESS charity Breakthrough has seen a rise in the number of people coming through its doors over the cold winter months and has big plans for this year.

The charity, which is currently run out of the Salvation Army Hall in Castle Street, Trowbridge opens its doors on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10am-1pm for anyone to come along, have some free food and drink and a chat.

Centre manager the Rev Barrie Dearlove said: “We are just beginning our fourth year and we have been really well supported with donations from individuals and businesses.

“We get a great big bag full of chicken from Nando’s, so much that it is very heavy to carry.

“Our people come in for a nice bit of food and drinks.Beans on toast is still a favourite.

“When we get new people come along we ask them to fill out a form so we know a bit more about them and can refer them to anyone if they need help, for example with mental health or addiction.

“We get between 20 to 30 come through our doors each day. We have been getting a lot through the winter and always do see more at this time of year.”

For the last few months, staff from Wiltshire Council have been paying visits to people at Breakthrough to help them get back on their feet.

“We now have people from Wiltshire who specialise in different areas such as mental health or housing who come in to visit and can speak to those who need it.

“I am so pleased that this is now happening, and the council have finally listened to us when we said it is very hard for homeless people to get the help they need from the council.

“We are not funded by the council or anyone else, we rely on prayer and people’s generosity.

“We are a Christian charity, but we don’t hit people over the head with Bibles and tell them what they should believe in.

“If people want to hear our beliefs, they can come and ask us. In the Bible it tells the importance of helping others less fortunate, which is what we do here.”

The charity is currently looking for bigger premises where it can expand its horizons.

Mr Dearlove added: “We are currently looking for new premises where we have more space.

“We want to be able to work with the college and offer to train our people on different courses so they can go out and find themselves a job.

“Finding a new building is something to accomplish.”

To find out more about Breakthrough, please visit www.breakthroughtrowbridge.co.uk