MP for Braintree, James Cleverly, spent a day meeting people who are working to rebuild their lives after experiencing homelessness.

This may have been as a result of relationship breakdown, loss of employment, drug or alcohol addiction or even mental health issues.

New Direction Lifehouse in Bocking End supports 14 women and men for up to two years, offering one-to-one support from trained staff.

They are encouraged to take up training and life skills classes that will help them to find their feet again and volunteers from the local Salvation Army church also help by running cookery and gardening classes.

When running to capacity Lifehouse links people sleeping rough to night shelters and provides shower facilities and food.

The centre is also part of the town’s severe weather emergency protocol and works with Braintree Salvation Army church to provide emergency shelter and food during the cold weather from December to March.

Sharon Ralph, New Direction service manager, said: “Anyone can end up experiencing homelessness at any time whether that is through the breakdown of a relationship or the loss of income.

“At New Direction we provide a place of safety for people as they catch their breath and get back on their feet so they can then go on to reach their full potential.”