A CHARITY which helps those battling drug and alcohol addictions is set to provide a night shelter for the homeless community in Barrow over the winter months.

Cumbria Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service, commonly known as CADAS, is keen to tackle the growing problem of homelessness in Barrow by opening up their premises in Paradise Street to those who are sleeping rough.

The service, which is being supported by other agencies including the Barrow Borough Council's housing team and mental health charity Mind in Furness, will run from December 1 through to February 28 next year on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

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Staff will be on hand to provide an evening meal, breakfast and a fresh set of clothes as well as a warm place to sleep at night.

Hilary Southward, who is CADAS's service manager for South Cumbria, said: "We want to raise awareness of the homeless community that does exist and we're keen to get as many volunteers on board as possible to help with the project.

"We've definitely seen an increase in clients referred to us over the last 12 months who are sofa-surfing or sleeping in shop doorways and it can be difficult to support them with their problems if they don't have housing stability.

"We hope that this will reduce homelessness in Barrow by ensuring that people are getting the right housing advice and are able to access other agencies for support.

"We are not here to judge and we are not here to tell them what to do. We are here to support them and push them in the right direction."

To help raise funds for the three-month project, CADAS is hosting a quiz night and raffle at Barrow Cricket Club on Friday October 28 from 7pm.

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It costs £5 for a team of four to enter with all of the proceeds going towards the winter shelter initiative. You can book a place at the quiz by calling CADAS's Barrow centre on 01229 811111.

You can also find out more about volunteering by attending a training session at the Paradise Street premises from 10am to 1pm or 4pm to 7pm on November 7.

Feedback from the Barrow community about the winter shelter:-

"This is a brilliant idea. Sadly this year two homeless men have already passed away. We need to do more to ensure no more pass away through neglect this year."

"A fantastic and much needed scheme. It will be good to see everyone working together and hopefully it will get bigger and better."

"Barrow has needed something like this for a long time. CADAS have offered people a lot of hope and safety which can be a massive weight off people's shoulders when they have support and don't have to worry where they are going to stay. Thank you and keep up the good work."