A charity which helps homeless people is appealing for cash to keep on a person who helps those with mental illness.

Richard Hayes is the mental health worker at the Worthing Churches Homeless Projects but three years of funding is soon to finish.

Now the project, based at St Clare's Day Centre in Marine Place, is appealing for somebody to step in with cash so the scheme can continue.

Richard, who has eight years' experience, manages 15 clients at a time, advising on housing and support services.

He said: "My job is to engage with insecurely housed and homeless people who have mental health problems.

"I am there weekday mornings for the drop-in sessions and I also see clients when they move on to hostels or into their own accommodation.

"All clients are in a desperate situation and have problems. Some have severe mental health problems where there is a need for long-term help.

"I link them to the services they need and devise a support plan with them."

Richard's post has been funded partly by West Sussex County Council's social services department.