A homelessness charity has thanked supporters for their “amazing” response after raising thousands this Christmas.

BHT Sussex beat its fundraising target to raise nearly £35,000 to help rough sleepers in Brighton and Hove.

The money will go to help the day centre First Base, where homeless people can receive hot showers, dry clothes, food and support.

David Chaffey, chief executive of BHT Sussex, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who has supported our Christmas appeal. The amazing response from the community, in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, exceeded all expectations and has ensured that we can provide even more people with life-changing support.

“With homelessness sadly on the rise, it is no surprise that demand for our services is growing. First Base is such an important resource for people facing homelessness in our city, and it is thanks to our generous supporters that we can keep it running.”

The charity says they were able to help over 350 people move off the streets and into safe accommodation in 2023 through the First Base centre.

The centre, based in Montpelier Place, Brighton, provides hot food, showers and clean dry clothes to rough sleepers in Brighton.

BHT Sussex also gives to advice and physical and mental health support to people to help them move off the streets.

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In this year’s Christmas appeal the charity raised £34,612 for the day centre. A member of staff at the centre also raised hundreds by cycling from Brighton to Malaga in southern Spain for the charity.

Rough sleeping rose by over 25 per cent in the UK in 2023 according to government statistics. Figures from homeless charity Shelter also show Brighton and Hove has the highest rate of homelessness in the South East.

Use of the First Base centre rose by over 50 per cent last year according to BHT Sussex. Nearly 7,000 visits were made to the centre in 2023.

BHT Sussex’s Christmas appeal is open until the end of January. See the trust's website or search on the Just Giving site.