Group dedicated to help homeless speaks of ambitions to create night shelter

A GROUP set up to help people on the streets has spoken of their long-term ambition to create a night shelter.

Teardrops is a non-profitable organisation which supports the homeless and surrounding areas who aim to offer support and provide opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential.

To date the charity has helped more than 50 people, identified during outreach activities, and provided 40 rucksack bags to people on the streets.

They have also handed out further supplies such as toothbrushes and hats to those who need them.

Teardrops' efforts have been aided by a £1,000 donation from Paul Nicholson from Luxor Group, the Merseyside property developer behind the regeneration of the Tyrers building and Phil Burton, manager at Lloyds Bank on Hardshaw Street.

The cheque was presented to Teardrops' founder, Shauni Ward.

Luxor and Lloyd’s donation will be used to fund the charity’s outreach efforts, which includes delivering warm food, drinks and supplies twice a week in the town centre and running a night cafe at Centurion House on North Road.

But their long term goal is to set up a night shelter in St Helens town centre.

Shauni Ward, founder of Teardrops, said: “This money will go towards helping people in the community and show these people that they matter to someone.

“We are doing our best to do what we can to open a shelter in the future to help homeless people have a safe place to stay but we need support, like today, to make that happen.”

Paul Nicholson, managing director of Luxor Group, said: “We are proud to be working with Teardrops, whose mission is to support homeless people and get them off the streets towards a better life.

“The work they do in is St Helens in making a real difference.

“As a local investor we are keen to work alongside different community groups to find a sustainable, long term solution for the homeless.”

St Helens town centre manager Gary Maddock, Teardrops charity ambassador Kirsty Hornby and Kristina Metcalf, head of business development at Luxor Group were also in attendance.