AN INVERKIP woman has become a hero for the homeless after being shocked by the number of people sleeping rough.

Catherine Craig, 49, started volunteering with Homeless Street Team Glasgow in November 2018 after passing many people living on the streets of Glasgow as she made her way to work.

Catherine is one of around 50 volunteers who go out on twice a week to help them, on Tuesday and Sunday evenings in the city.

She helps run a stall offering hot food, drinks, clothing and toiletries and as part of a teams she walks around the streets with sandwiches, drinks and clothing.

Catherine said: “We look for anyone who is in need and individuals approach us for support.

"The support provided by the group is vital.

"Although Glasgow provides night shelters in the winter, many cannot get a space until after 10pm at night and they need food and a hot drink to help keep them warm.

“They also need warm clothing, hats and gloves.

"With nowhere to store clothing, many have clothes stolen or they get wet and cannot be dried easily.

“More than that, many are lonely.

"We spend time talking to them, understand their situation and see how we can help.

"We can refer them to the relevant support services, call one of the night shelters or sometimes call police or ambulance if that’s required."

Catherine says her view has changed since starting to volunteer and speaking to the people that need help.

She said: “Before I began I had a view that’s probably similar to some people, that homeless people must be there because they are on drugs or are criminals and they should just get a job and that will solve their issues.

“I couldn’t have been more wrong.

“I have learned that the reasons people are homeless are complex and varied.

"I met a man who until four years ago had a good job, a four bedroom house and a family life.

"Following a messy divorce, the family stayed in the house, the man moved into his own accommodation but soon found himself in financial difficulties.

"A year later he ended up on the streets.

“I have met many people who are homeless through a series of unfortunate incidents and those who are on drugs use it as an escape from the harshness of living on the streets.”

Catherine says her charity work is spurred on by seeing the difference that it makes to people.

She said: “Every now and then, one of the individuals we provide support to let us know that they have been given housing.

"The fact that they have an opportunity of a better life is very rewarding.

“It's such a small thing really but handing someone who is cold a hot drink, helping them into a warm coat and talking to them for a while makes an immediate and direct positive impact for that person.”

The group receive no funding and everything they hand out has been donated.

Now Catherine is encouraging other people to help tackle the problem.

She said: “I would ask someone to consider how they would feel if someone they love ended up homeless - wouldn’t you want someone to be helping?”

Catherine's group accept donations of cash which is used to keep the storage units, run the vans and provide hot food and drink.

They also take donations of food, clothing, toiletries, sleeping bags, hats, gloves and scarves.

Donations can be handed in to Sea Change Therapies in Kip Marina.