THE Befrienders are urging the homeless to turn to them when times get tough.

It comes after the Adver revealed that almost 30 homeless people using outreach services have died since the end of 2009, an average of one a month.

The Befrienders, a team who run from an office in the Roundabout Cafe, based at the Pilgrim Centre, offer clothing and food once a week to the homeless.

Co-ordinator Beryl Harris said: “There is a whole team of us. We talk to them and try to point them in the right direction for help. They get free food from the Roundabout Cafe once a week. We also give them toiletries and clothes.

“We treat them as human beings, they are no different to anyone else.

“It is a challenge. There are druggies and alcoholics. You have to give them tough love. I do it because I’m a Christian and we do it because we care.”

The Befrienders was started by the late Rev Derryck Evans more than 20 years ago. He also founded the Prospect Hospice.

On Monday, the Adver reported that 26 people who have been in contact with the Breakfast Club and Filling Station died between September 2009 and January this year. The true number could be higher.

“We have known most of the people that died on the streets of Swindon. Most people on the streets know me and they say ‘hi Beryl’ as I walk past,” she said.

The Befrienders team, which has nine volunteers, also help out at the lunch club in Broad Street with Threshold Housing Link every Tuesday and Thursday from 12.30pm until 2pm.

The group, who rely on fundraising to keep going, are also happy to speak to people who are not homeless but need someone to talk to.

Mary Willis, manager of the Pilgrim Centre, said: “The Roundabout Cafe is open to everyone. We need as many customers as possible so we can carry on offering this service.”

The Befrienders office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12.30pm until 2pm. The Roundabout Cafe is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am until 2.30pm.