A homelessness charity in Kingston issued an urgent appeal for donations as temperatures dropped on Thursday (October 3).

Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness (KCAH) are one of the key homelessness charities operating in the borough.

As temperatures dropped noticeably between Wednesday and Thursday in the region, the charity said they were experiencing an increased number of requests for sleeping bags and other essential items from currently rough sleeping in the area.

Speaking to the Comet, KCAH Coordinator Sophie Mayor said that the charity needed donations so that it could support people experiencing homelessness as well as possible.

"We had a few people come in today asking for sleeping bags and obviously today's temperatures are a sign of things to come.

"We have a stock of sleeping bags for our night shelter but we also need them in our office to be able to give to people who are coming in to our drop-in service," she said.

During the coldest winter months, KCAH run a night shelter that gives people experiencing homelessness in Kingston a safe and warm place to spend the night.

Before the shelter is due to open next month, the charity's team hope to support rough sleepers with sleeping bags and other crucial items like shoes, rucksacks and boxer shorts.

"The temperature has changed quite dramatically. As well as sleeping bags we'll always be needing rucksacks, shoes, boxer shorts and socks," Ms Mayor said.

To donate, head to KCAH's offices at St Peter’s Church Hall on London Road in Kingston, call 020 8255 7400 or find them online at: www.kcah.org.uk