A CHARITY for the homeless is opening a specialist centre to support a growing number of rough sleepers in Southend.

Harp, serving single homeless people, is launching its End Rough Sleeping Campaign with the opening of a refurbished, 11-bedroom hostel.

Vera House, named in memory of the wife of a Harp benefactor, Ivan Heath, is based at the former night shelter for the homeless in York Road.

The building has been transformed into a modern, purpose-built haven for vulnerable, long-term rough sleepers.

Figures show half of the desperate people supported by Harp’s services last year had a history of mental health issues.

Gill Garwood, Harp’s chief executive, said: “ The accommodation issue is often only part of a story which is made more complex by underlying needs, such as problems with mental ill health. There needs to be a link into mental health services and without accommodation it is very difficult for rough sleepers to access the specialist health services which they need.

“In a safe and secure environment such as Vera House, they can make life enhancing changes to their lives.’’ At the official opening on Thursday, church and community groups, along with other benefactors who have helped fund the project, will get a glimpse of the Vera House facilities, which apart from the bedrooms, include an accessible bathroom for those with a disability and a communal kitchen. Gill will plant a rose bush in the garden in memory of Vera.

Harp supported 1,071 vulnerable people last year at the Bradbury Centre, a purpose-built emergency night shelter with 18 bedrooms within the renovated former Darnley Hotel.

in York Road. It incorporates a day centre and training facilities. Staff offer support and advice on all aspects of homelessness including housing and medical issues. This enables many to get back on their feet and, in some cases, back into work.

It also assisted 98 long-term rough sleepers last year. Ms Garwood said: “ Our mission is to end rough sleeping by 2018 and with the help of the public we will do it. “As the only emergency and specialist accommodation service in the town working solely with the long-term single homeless, we have the experience and the capability to make a real difference. It is thanks to the public that we have the services we do. We need the help of the public again to put the resources in place to enable vulnerable homeless people to have positive choices.”

Harp is now seeking donations for the services of a mental health professional.

To donate, visit www.harp southend.org.uk