Hastings homeless charity in need of volunteers

The Observer reported earlier this year how the number of people living on the streets had shot up since the start of the country's economic problems.

And that increase in the number of homeless people is putting more pressure on St John Ambulance's workers here in 1066 Country.

Since the Hastings branch started six years ago it has trained volunteer nurses to go out into the community and work with homeless people '“ providing expert medical help.

And more general volunteers have helped support hundreds of people down on their luck by helping at the charity's drop-in centre in St Leonards.

However, whereas in the first year 500 people made use of the volunteers, more than 1,400 did in 2009.

And that increase in demand is why the charity needs to recruit three more volunteer nurses and three general volunteers to help cope with the extra workload.

As the service's coordinator Roger Nuttall explained, people who volunteer don't often regret it.

"It's challenging work and it's unpaid so it's not the kind of role which appeals to everyone.

"But it can be hugely rewarding because so often we're able to totally transform the lives of people who have lost all hope."

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Mr Nuttall by calling 01424 435358 or emailing [email protected] before September 24.