THE chief executive of Wirral’s YMCA hostel for homeless people has expressed concerns over the 'worrying' rise in numbers using its services.

Nigel Hughes’ comments came as the Birkenhead-based organisation begins preparations for Christmas, to provide to those less fortunate who may have found themselves homeless and sleeping rough on Wirral’s streets.

Staff and volunteers of YMCA Wirral will be on duty again this year at its night shelter, which has been in operation since 2008, trying to ensure that no one has to survive or die on the streets, and also to provide hot meals over the Christmas period.

It is currently organising a full Christmas Day meal for those in need, but would welcome any donations either funds or food etc which would help them over this busy period.

The Wirral Overnight Refuge for Rough Sleepers initiative has been accessed over 1700 times by a wide range of people, both male and female, who have found themselves on the streets for a variety of reasons.

Nigel Hughes said: "Over the summer months YMCA Wirral has given refuge to between eight – 12 individuals per night making it one of its busiest periods.

"However, with winter upon us it is imperative that the YMCA Wirral service continues to offer safe refuge for those people living on the streets. "It is a worrying trend that we are seeing more and more people presenting themselves to our location than ever before.

"This could be due to many finding themselves homeless through eviction because of rent arrears, some as means of escape from abuse.

"We also receive referrals from hospitals, police, and also the fire service where individuals in distress talk to those organisations and if in need of accommodation they are referred to us.

"Please be in no doubt; this provision is saving and changing lives. When the town is closed and asleep our dedicated night team are waiting to help.”

Nigel gave an example of the distress endured by rough sleepers and the way in which YMCA Wirral can help.

He said: “On November 11, YMCA sheltered thirteen rough sleepers. John (name changed) arrived cold and shivering with his hands wrapped in the sleeves of a rain soaked sweat shirt and his arms folded tight across his chest. His clothes were wet and totally unsuitable for a cold November night.

"His face was bruised and grazed. “While on the streets he had been verbally and physically abused by a street gang.

"In the safety of YMCA reception he sat rocking himself, crying and repeating thank you, thank you.

“He had not eaten for a number of days.

“After a bite to eat and a hot drink, he wrapped himself in a sleeping bag and fell into a deep exhausted sleep. In the early hours of the morning, after John was rested and had calmed down, night staff started the task of assessing his support needs.

“He had lost his job and in spite of many weeks of trying to stand alone, to be proud and sort it all out, it had eventually all came tumbling down.

“John now has a secure room in our 56 bed hostel and had started the process of recovery from his trauma.”

The Night Shelter costs approximately £30,000 a year to run. It receives no statutory funding and relies very much on charitable donations from local people and businesses.

Nigel Hughes said: “It is helping real people - brothers, sisters, sons and daughters, parents and even grandparents.

“Please feel free to contact me and come and have a look at the magnificent work our dedicated staff team are doing. We need donations, small or large, and any amount is more than welcome.”

To find out more call Nigel on 0151 650 1015 or email nigel@birkenheadymca.co.uk