THE first drop-in day centre for the homeless in North Wiltshire has provided a hot meal and vital support to dozens of needy people.

The Homeless Project opened on January 5 to give people without a proper home a place to get warm, eat a meal, do laundry and get support and advice about improving their situation.

"We're getting all ages from 15 to 50," said Salvation Army Captain Mary Wolfe. "We've had at least one person come to every session except the very first one."

The drop-in centre is based in the Salvation Army headquarters at Foghamshire and is open two half-days a week, for a two-year trial period.

It was set up by the Salvation Army, the Chippenham Voluntary Service and North Wiltshire District Council, along with community and voluntary agencies. A group of eight volunteers helps to run it.

"They come in and immediately want drink and food," said Capt Wolfe. "Most of them also want to talk, so volunteers will also sit down with them.

"We have a television, daily newspapers, and we try and get any clothes they need washed and dried during the session."

People who are sleeping rough may also be given a sleeping bag and a food parcel.

Margaret Cleverley of the CVS said the volunteer group was doing well.

"We are just about to run an induction day for a few more volunteers to cover sickness and holidays," she said. "They turn their hands to most things cooking, preparing food, clearing up afterwards, sorting clothing and help with laundry."

Importantly, the drop-in centre also helps people claim benefits and provides help to fill in forms.

Volunteers can also help direct people to other relevant services the housing department, or doctors if they need medical help.

The two sessions are Monday 9.30am to 12.30pm and Thursday 12.30pm to 3.30pm and the meals are free.

The project also provides the homeless with a mailing address.

Organisers hope the centre will continue after the initial trial period. "We hope to collect evidence of the need for it," said Capt Wolfe.

"The number of local homeless people is hard to work out but most of the people who use it are actually from Chippenham or have very strong Chippenham links they have either been brought up here, have relatives here, or became homeless here."