A BREAKFAST centre which helps York's homeless, unemployed and socially excluded people has launched a new Friends group to raise badly needed funds.

Carecent, based at Central Methodist Church in St Saviourgate, provides food, fellowship, clothing and toiletries in a clean and friendly environment, on six mornings a week, to some of the most vulnerable in York's community - regardless of background or gender.

Working in conjunction with other agencies, it seeks ways to help them enjoy an improved lifestyle, with volunteer staff always ready to listen and offer help and advice.

Carecent project leader Nicky Gladstone said it had been running for more than 30 years but, in the last couple of years, its running costs had increased considerably.

It also planned to expand and improve its service, and was exploring offering a day centre facility to augment its existing work, with an associated redevelopment of the premises, she said.

"We now need to secure regular income alongside continuing donations in order to carry on helping the vulnerable people who rely on us," she said.

"We need to be able to manage our finances in a more structured way to be able to apply for grants and to be able to budget for the future.

"We are looking for 'Friends' - supporters who will commit to a monthly contribution to Carecent in order to provide us with a more secure income. A small monthly amount will make a huge difference to us.

"A regular friends newsletter will keep people up to date with Carecent, and explain how their donation is being put to good use."

She added that several people had already come forward to sign up to the Friends and make regular contributions.

Anyone wanting to become a Friend should email admin@carecent.org or call 01904 624244 during the morning opening hours, from 8.30am to 10.45 pm.