A GROUP of volunteers are hoping to create Stroud's first drop-in centre for homeless and vulnerable people.

The Marah Trust, an organisation supported by most of the town's churches, hopes to expand its work with homeless people, drug addicts and those with physical and mental health problems and other special needs.

Since it was founded in 2001, demand for its services has grown from around a dozen to well over 100 people, and the organisation now has more than 40 volunteers and five trained counsellors.

Marah already runs drop-in sessions three afternoons a week at the Congregational Church in Bedford Street. Visitors can meet, enjoy a healthy hot meal, take part in leisure activities and get support.

But now project leaders hope to expand these and begin a rehabilitation programme in Stroud, as the nearest one is in Gloucester.

As well as the money needed to provide facilities and train volunteers, volunteers are looking for premises for the day centre. This could involve an initial outlay of as much as £250,000.

"It's a big project, even to get a suitable facility together for a day centre," said senior team leader Fiona Spring.

"We would like to work with some of the housing societies and build up a housing support system because there's no emergency bedding or support in Stroud.

"We also hope to be able to give the council more up to date statistics about who's sleeping rough."

Marah has just applied for charitable status and is funded solely by gifts, grants and fund-raising. Its long term goals include being able to offer back to work training in areas such as computer skills, decorating, gardening and catering.

If you can help with the appeal, contact the Marah Trust office on 01453 767655.