A CHARITY in Darlington is appealing for volunteers to help homeless people.

Darlington Nightstop provides emergency short-term accommodation for 16 to 25-year-olds.

Volunteers give accomodation in their homes for up to three nights to someone who is homeless.

The young person has an evening meal, someone to talk to, the use of a washing machine and bathroom, and breakfast the following morning.

As well as needing people to provide accomodation, the charity is also seeking volunteers to co-ordinate the service matching homeless people with available beds and to drive them to their temporary accommodation.

Donations of toiletries and dressing gowns are needed.

Darlington Nightstop co-ordinator Michelle Frewin said: "Being a volunteer for Darlington Nightstop is a very rewarding activity.

"You get the chance to make a very visible difference to homelessness in our area. You can make a positive impact on the life of a young person."

The appeal came as members of Darlington Borough Council's social affairs and health scrutiny committee met to discuss the extent of homelessness in the town.

A report considered by the committee showed there has been a substantial increases in the number of homeless people asking for help during the past two years.

It also showed the main causes of homelessness in the town are a loss of rented accommodation, the break-up of a relationship and the loss of a family home.

According to research in the report, there are only 19 rough sleepers in the town but more than 50 people are referred to as hidden homeless because although they are not sleeping on the streets, they are sleeping on someone's floor and do not have a permanent home.

The committee reviewed the town's homelessness strategy, which includes plans to phase out the use of bed and breakfast accommodation for homeless people, and working with rough sleepers to help them beat addictions.

The strategy will also look at ways to prevent people losing their homes, such as working with private landlords and talking to youngsters.

To volunteer to help Nightstop, call (01325) 382737.