A GROUP which provides shelter and support for homeless people or those who are alone and isolated during the festive season is appealing for help.

Radiate Redditch, based in the Ecumenical Centre, is urgently appealing for cash so they can set up a Christmas Hub.

Usually running from around Boxing Day until New Year's Day the group, during the day, provides a drop in space where people can go for food/activities/ or just socialise and spend time with others.

On the nights the group provides a safe shelter for rough sleepers in the town.

The cost is around £3,000.

"A lot of this is facilitated by donations of food and volunteers giving their time and talents. But it also takes money," said Steve Levett, minister at the Ecumenical Centre.

"We have businesses that support us and people are really good - chipping in £10 or £20.

"We've been doing this for about six or seven years and it has always been amazing. People have been so generous either with giving some money or giving their time."

The group also runs a community dinner and lunch event once a month and provides support to Redditch's homeless community when it can.

Mr Levett added: "During last year's Christmas Hub the most homeless people we took in was about eight. Thankfully Redditch is not that bad compared to some other areas but it is a problem. This shows that there is a need.

"We try to help but there is always something else or someone else that needs assistance."

There are a number of ways people can donate.

They can drop cash off in a marked sealed envelope (Radiate Redditch Christmas Hub) to: Emmanuel Church, Ecumenical Centre, 6 Evesham Walk, Kingfisher Shopping Centre, Redditch B97 4EX.

Write a cheque made out to 'Radiate Redditch' and deliver as above.

Make a bank transfer by calling treasurer Steve Levett on 07505 011327 for more details or search for Radiate Redditch on Facebook.