A LEADING Southend charity has one wish this Christmas - to help more than 300 families battling homelessness, the cost of living crisis or addiction and the Echo is proud to back its work.

The St Vincent’s Centre, based in the Victoria Business Park in Short Street, has launched a Be More Than Kind this Christmas campaign to help those in need, which the Echo is proudly backing. 

Through the campaign, the charity will work with 25 schools to deliver food hampers to struggling families from December 18 to 23. 

The ten most vulnerable families will receive £15 vouchers and access to the centre’s Friday food market, called the Vinnie Pick and Mix Market, to help them prepare for January, “a tough month”.

Echo: 300 food hampers will be donated to Southend families.300 food hampers will be donated to Southend families. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Centre manager Daniel Cauchi said: “We’ll help anyone who’s vulnerable. We try to understand their situation and map out a way forward for them. This place is unique because we listen and understand people’s circumstances.

"Relationships, relationships, relationships - that’s the key. The better we understand people, the better we can work out a way through their problems.”

The centre aims to “gradually get people back on their feet”, while tackling the stigma around homelessness and foodbanks. 

Echo: St Vincent's Centre is open seven days a week, in Victoria Business Park.St Vincent's Centre is open seven days a week, in Victoria Business Park. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Vinnie Pick and Mix Market offers fresh food for a low price. Members pay £1 to join and then £4 per session for up to 15 items, getting approximately £30 of shopping.

Daniel added: “It’s all about the transition. We’re there to support people on their journeys.”

The centre runs “Kindness Kitchens” on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. It feeds up to 90 rough sleepers and vulnerable people per day, while providing warm winter clothing.

Daniel said: “By giving them the opportunity to buy their food at a reduced price, the market helps people keep their dignity. We’re giving them a hand up, not a handout.”

Echo: Guests are provided with warm winter clothes, along with food and mental health support.Guests are provided with warm winter clothes, along with food and mental health support. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Mayor Stephen Habermel and MP Anna Firth will help serve Christmas dinner at the centre on December 22.

The festive season means a surge in demand for shelter and warmth at the centre, so donations and volunteers are needed. To get involved, visit the SVP website: svp.org.uk/st-vincents-southend