THE Isle of Wight Council and the Salvation Army are calling for volunteers to help the homeless this winter.

The Salvation Army Isle of Wight homeless service is opening its doors to the homeless from now until the end of March.

Isle of Wight Councillor Barry Abraham, cabinet member for planning and housing, said: "We do all we can to provide emergency support to people, to prevent them from ending up on the streets and the council is extremely grateful to the Salvation Army in helping us to support the vulnerable homeless this winter.

"However, to make sure we can provide this lifeline for those in need, we need your support. The more people or businesses that are helping us, the better prepared we are to provide sanctuary and support to those people facing the prospect of a cold and lonely winter."

The new winter night shelter will allow the Salvation Army to provide hot food and a warm bed for the night, 7 days a week, during the coldest months.

Cllr Clare Mosdell, cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said: "No one should have to go hungry or not have a place to sleep.

"If you can help in any capacity, from giving your time to any donations, the council and the Salvation Army would love to have your support."

Jamie Brenchley, service manager for the Salvation Army homeless services on the Isle of Wight, said, ''The winter shelter provides an emergency response to broken people on the Isle of Wight that are homeless.

"The service has been designed to meet the humanitarian need of people that are experiencing homelessness during the coldest months of the year and to provide personalised support to help individuals on their unique journey from street to home.

"We have already established a wonderful team of volunteers, but we need more. Homelessness is devastating. People die on the streets every year.

"Come alongside us to see the person not the label. Together, as one community, we can help broken people rebuild their lives.''

Any individuals, groups or businesses interested in volunteering for the Salvation Army on the Isle of Wight can email Lucy Rhoden, Salvation Army street outreach intervention coordinator, at lucy.rhoden@salvationarmy.org.uk or contact the team through Facebook at Salvation Army Isle of Wight homeless service.