A PLEA for volunteers to help the homeless this winter has been made by the Isle of Wight Council and the Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army Isle of Wight homeless service is opening its doors from now until the end of March.
Isle of Wight Cllr 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, seven days a week, during the coldest months.
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.
"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.