A FORMER housing officer from Milford Haven hopes to make a difference to people’s lives by providing food and comfort to those who have been sleeping rough.

Sara Hurley is looking for like-minded people to help her set up the project, and address what she sees as a dire need in the county.

“There is a bigger problem in Pembrokeshire than people think,” said Sara, who worked as a housing officer for 10 years.

“The idea came to me really because of a bit of an argument on Facebook.

“Sleeping rough is cold and depressing. I believe that if people have a nourishing meal, the occasional haircut, some relaxation and so forth, they may start to feel better about themselves and perhaps they can be helped back into society.

“I want to take a holistic approach and have people who are trained counsellors, alternative therapists and the like who are keen to help.”

Initially, Sara wants to run the project a few days a week, but first needs a space to be able to deliver it from.

She is appealing to church members, or committees of local halls to get in touch.

Sara is also looking for funding or a training organisation to enable volunteers to take their Food Hygiene Certificates.

“Once the project is up and running, donations of food to be cooked would also be welcome,” she said.

“Perhaps if you are a baker you could offer yesterday's bread, which could be made into croutons or bread and butter pudding.

“A butcher could perhaps offer some cheaper cuts of meat or bones for soups and stews.”

Sara, who left her job at the council due to stress, said the last thing she had imagined doing was working with homeless people after she retired.

“I'm not going into this with rose tinted glasses,” she said.

“Some of these people are difficult to work with due to their many problems.”

If you are interested in helping in any way or could offer donations of equipment, premises or provisions, contact Sara on 01646 694364.