A HOMELESS charity is relaunching its campaign to end rough sleeping in Southend by 2018.

Harp, the charity for single homeless people, offers services from the most basic of needs such as a hot meal, clean clothes and washing facilities, and provides access to addiction recovery groups, life skills workshops and employment and training opportunities.

The ultimate aim is to equip people with the tools to live a life away from homelessness.

They have reported they have assisted a third of the rough sleepers who came to them for help last year into a range of supported and independent housing.

Gill Garwood, Harp chief executive, said: “We’re incredibly lucky to benefit from the continued generosity of the people of Southend, without whom we would simply be unable to provide our services.

“Together, we’re making a huge difference to the lives of the town’s homeless people, despite the numbers rising all over the UK, including here in south Essex.

“By relaunching our campaign to end rough sleeping in Southend, we’re aiming to shine new light onto the continued plight of homeless people in our town.

“We’re seeking to bring the community together and help alleviate the suffering and hopelessness endured by those for whom a home of their own seems like an impossible dream.

“We want to let them know someone does care, and the road back from homelessness will never be a lonely one with us all working as one.”

Harp runs a rough sleeper breakfast and lunch which has up to 30 visitors on a daily basis.

The charity believes there were about 100 people sleeping rough in Southend last year.

Tom, 22, one of Harp’s service users, said: “I was desperate and felt so ashamed of being homeless, but I was welcomed the moment I stepped through Harp’s door and made friends on that very first day.

“I can honestly say I don’t think I’d be alive today without Harp, and I’m now making plans to start my own business”.

To find out more and get involved, visit essexsleepout.org