A GRANT of £175,000 will help the Isle of Wight Council assist the Island's rough sleepers.

The funds, which come from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, will support a community-based homeless hub.

The council estimates there have been between 24 and 34 rough sleepers on Island streets over the last few months.

Dedicated members of staff will support the hub, which will have specialist outreach services for those with multiple and complex needs with alcohol, drugs and mental health.

Cllr Clare Mosdell, the council's cabinet member for adult social care, said: "It’s great news the government is supporting our project to tackle the issue of rough sleeping on the Isle of Wight.

"Our Housing and Family Support Team, and our partners, will now use this money to help some of the Islands most vulnerable people who find themselves without a home for a range of reasons.

"Importantly, these extra funds allow us to extend the level of support to our homeless citizens via more assertive and comprehensive outreach services."

Some funds are also being used to help and support three people through a local pilot of the national 'housing first' initiative to help the most firmly established rough sleepers into secure accommodation.