VULNERABLE and homeless people are being offered some festive spirit as part of an annual event that helps bring a town’s community together.

The In Out of the Cold event aims to raise awareness about homelessness and hardship issues in Middlesbrough as well as providing advice and support to people affected by housing and poverty issues.

The annual event, which has been going since 2010 and is coordinated by Middlesbrough Council, is made possible through the kind donations and volunteering from a range of statutory, private and voluntary sector organisations and members of the public.

Hosted by The Salvation Army, people are invited to the Citadel on Southfield Road on Tuesday, December 20 between 1pm and 3pm, where hot food will be provided, as well as live music from local singers and a carol service.

Councillor Mick Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Communities and Public Health, said: “In Out Of The Cold is a festive, positive event for the more excluded people of Middlesbrough, including those who are homeless or suffering other forms of hardship.

“We hope that it will raise awareness of some of the issues around homelessness, poverty and social exclusion, as well as being a good way to let people know of the many organisations in Middlesbrough who are able to help them.

“It’s good to see so many organisations and members of the public offering their time, or making donations, to make the event possible.”

People will be given a Christmas gift box, which is made up from donations and includes items such as hats, scarves, gloves and toiletries. There is also a stall giving out coats and jumpers.

While Middlesbrough does not have many rough sleepers, there are a lot of people in insecure housing situations, such as sofa surfing, which in some cases may also be classed as homelessness.

The Council and its partners offer outreach, accommodation and support to all those affected with housing need issues, as well as those experiencing other forms of hardship.

There have also been increases in street activity from single people with complex needs over recent months.

Organisations supporting this year’s event include: Harbour; Middlesbrough College; Community Campus; Southmartins; STAGES Academy; Middlesbrough & Teesside Philanthropic Foundation; Cleveland Fire Brigade; SWITCH Project/NACRO Homes Agency; My Sister’s Place; Erimus Housing & Thirteen Group; Royal British Legion; New Walk CIC and South Tees Youth Offending Service.

Further details about the event visit www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/inoutofthecold