THE work of an organisation helping Wirral's homeless has been boosted by a donation of 100 care packs from health service staff.

Wirral Homeless service, part of Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP) NHS Foundation Trust, has been collecting items from staff across Cheshire to make up individual care packs for local hostels, refuges, day and night centres and soup kitchens.

The packs include items such as shower gel, toothbrushes, wipes and deodorant.

The service enlisted the help of Wirral Community NHS Foundation Trust in collecting donations, and were also given extra toiletries by the local St Vincent De Paul Society.

Gaynor Parry, specialist practitioner in mental health for homeless / hostels at CWP, said: "Colleagues have been marvellous.

"We're so proud of everybody's efforts and donations not just for the packs but for the warm coats and clothing.

"Homelessness has risen by 134% throughout the country which is staggering and we have more street homeless using the shelter than any previous year, so it's been wonderful to be able to spread some good cheer."

The Wirral Homeless service provides care to adults with mental health conditions who are homeless, not currently involved in mental health services and where there is a concern about their present mental health.

Avril Devaney MBE, director of nursing, therapies and patient partnership at CWP, said: "I'm so proud of what our staff have achieved this year.

"The Wirral Homeless Service has worked really hard to collect donations and staff across Cheshire and Wirral have generously given toiletries to ensure local shelters received as many packs as possible over the Christmas period."