A Deptford charity that helps find homeless people shelter and support to get back on their feet and into work has received a massive funding boost.

The 999 Club operates out of the Deptford Gateway Centre and provides shelter for those with nowhere else to go.

A £75,000 cash boost was handed to the charity from the Lloyds Bank Foundation to help them continue their work.

Figures released in late 2017 showed that Lewisham had the highest levels of homelessness in south-east London, with one in every 49 people being classed as homeless, including rough sleepers and those living out of hostels.

The number of rough sleepers rose in 2017 nationwide for the seventh year in a row by 15 per cent and Tim Fallon from the 999 Club said the funding will help them care for these people.

The 999 Club CEO said: “Homelessness in London is rising. This grant will fund our core costs in delivering vital services to homeless people.

“For charities like ours this type of funding is essential; it provides the basis on which all of our services and projects can take place.

“People who sleep rough come in to The 999 Club for a shower and breakfast, and they stay to talk to our advice service about finding a place to live, to take part in a workshop or to get help to find a job.

“It can be extremely difficult to find funding to cover our core costs and we are incredibly grateful to Lloyds Bank Foundation for their generous support.”

Paul Streets, chief executive for Lloyds Bank Foundation, said: “With poverty and disadvantage high and rising, local charities like the 999 Club are on the front line in their communities offering help to people who need it most.

“We are proud to be able to fund the 999 Club, whose work tackling homelessness is life-changing. We look forward to supporting them as they continue to make a lasting impact in 2018 and beyond.”