A LEYTON church is looking for volunteers to help run a new day shelter for homeless people.

The Fountain of Peace Church, in Staffa Road, set up the shelter after the closure of the Branches day shelter and is currently offering cooked meals and English lessons to its users.

It also offers IT facilities and is used by about 20 people in the morning and afternoon, but needs more help as plans are in place to open a night shelter as well.

Mathew Jones, 32, who volunteers at the church on a regular basis, said: “It's used by the people that used to use Branches.

"There was nothing put in place for us to cater for the people on the streets.

“We need washing machines, food donations and volunteers.”

Mr Jones, a musician and actor of Larkshall Road, Highams Park, added the church hopes to offer help to people who are new to the UK.

A nurse also regularly attends the day centre to offer medical check-ups to users.

The church now plans to begin offering careers advice and will also be linking up with Greenhouse, which helps people from eastern Europe coming into London.

Mr Jones said: “We're all volunteers at the moment but we're looking for funding in the next couple of months.”

Run from a church building, he added that the day shelter, known as the Fountain Centre, could soon employ counsellors, as well as career and legal advisors if it gains enough funding.

“We're running activities and helping people look for jobs,” Mr Jones said.

“At the moment, there are a lot of homeless people without documents or passports, so they can't apply for benefits. Most hostels can't let people in if they're not signing on.”

The church therefore aims to help people gain the right documentation so that they can start claiming benefits within the UK.

The day centre is open from 8am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday.

For more information and contact details for the church, visit fountainofpeace.org or contact Mathew Jones at matjones27@yahoo.co.uk