YOUNG homeless people have been given a helping hand following a donation from the Midcounties Co-operative Food store in Kidderminster.

Marking the continuation of a long-standing partnership, the outlet in Franche Road provided a trolley full of essential supplies to the Wyre Forest Nightstop and Mediation Scheme, a charitable organisation that provides safe, emergency temporary accommodation for homeless young people between the ages of 16 and 25.

The donation is designed to help the charity’s trained volunteer hosts, who provide beds in their own homes to those who need them, as well as evening meals, washing facilities, breakfast and, most importantly, a caring environment. It is the latest initiative from the Society in support of the charity, following a £5,000 donation in 2012, while colleagues from the Midcounties Co-operative Food and Funeral trading groups have dedicated their time to paint rooms and clear the car park of the charity’s headquarters.

Store manager Simon Hartland said: "Supporting our community is one of the key co-operative principles on which our Society is based, and we are pleased to continue our support of the Wyre Forest Nightstop and Mediation by donating a trolley full of supplies to help its volunteers continue to provide such a valuable service. This is the latest in a long line of initiatives we have undertaken to support this deserving charity, and is made possible by the support of our customers, as we use our profits to give back to local organisations like this.”

Julia Greaves of Wyre Forest Nightstop and Mediation added: “This is a very generous donation from The Midcounties Co-operative, and one which will make an enormous difference to our volunteers, as well as the young people we offer help to. The Society has proved to be a great and long-term supporter of our charity, and we look forward to continuing to work with its colleagues to help the homeless in our region.”