A CHARITY which provides a safe haven for homeless people in Devizes had a big year in 2019 as support for its work grew but it is hoping 2020 will bring major changes.

Chairman of the trustees of Devizes Opendoors John Saunders wants to open a trial winter night shelter for rough sleepers but is desperately in need of a overnight support worker if the scheme is going to work.

He said: “We are hoping it will open on February 1. Although this will be only a two month trial, we expect to learn a lot from it for possible future, extended provision.

“The venue will be St. James Parish Centre. The Church Parochial Parish Council and congregation are very supportive.

“We have informed those living in the neighbourhood by sending out 55 letters. No one has expressed any concerns.

“However, we haven’t been able to recruit a suitable person or persons to be the paid overnight support worker.

“We have a paid worker and a lot of volunteers to cover the evenings from 7pm to 10pm.

“As this is a trial, the plan is to only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights and when Severe Weather Emergency Provision conditions occur.”

Mr Saunders paid tribute to the volunteers and the many people and organisations who support the charity’s work.

In the run up to Christmas everyone from Wadworth brewery to Devizes Freemasons collected gifts and care packages to help both the rough sleepers and people who suddenly find themselves without a sofa to sleep on.

Mr Saunders said: “There are some very generous people in Devizes who donate presents that get put into shoeboxes. We then pass these on to our guests and we hope that it gives them a sense that somebody cares.”

“We see people who have got pretty much nothing help each other out by sharing what they have got, it’s pretty heartwarming.” Go to devizesopendoors.org.uk.