FOR most people the New Year is a time to look forward, to make resolutions and start afresh but for those without a roof over their heads it can be a time of desolation.

Trowbridge-based charity, Action on Homelessness (West Wilts) helps these people build a better future.

Agency manager Marco Van-Tintelen said: "January and February is the busiest time for us; people need more help in the colder months."

Action on Homelessness has been operating in west Wiltshire for the last 10 years; the Trowbridge centre opened five years ago.

At least 10 new clients a week turn up for the help provided by its eight salaried staff and 20 unpaid volunteers.

People become homeless for a variety of reasons most commonly a family breakdown, serious debt or mental health problems.

"There is no such thing as the average homeless person," Mr Van Tintelen said.

"It is not someone in dirty clothes going through a bin; the people that we help can be businessmen, students, people leaving the army it is something that could happen to anyone."

Latest government figures suggest between 500 and 700 people sleep rough in England on any one night.

Homeless charity, Crisis, estimates for every person sleeping rough there are 500 'hidden homeless'.

These are single homeless people who often live in appalling conditions in temporary accommodation: hostels, bed and breakfasts or guest houses.

They do not qualify for local authority housing or have simply fallen through the net. Many are young and single.

When clients come into the centre they are assessed to decide what the priorities should be to help them.

The Smartmove project finds accommodation mainly through private landlords and then sets up a rent guarantee in place of a deposit.

The centre offers practical help in the form of shower and toilet facilities and can also help people deal with benefit claims and put together a CV.

Training in IT and internet skills, and help with basic literacy and numeracy is also offered.

One of the most valuable services, though, is advice staff keep in touch with people who come through the centre and are there to support them.