The homeless will receive more help as a result of a link-up between two charities.

The St Patrick's Trust and the Laura Martin Trust said joining forces would mean they could provide a better service.

St Patrick's offers sheltered housing and support to homeless people from its base in Cambridge Road, Hove.

The Shoreham-based Laura Martin Trust raises funds to help the homeless and tries to help the public understand the causes and effects of homelessness.

Stephen Sharpe, chief executive of St Patrick's, said the link-up acknowledged the causes of homelessness were complex and affected people living rough and in poor accommodation.

He said: "It is an on-going problem and it won't go away. In fact, with winter round the corner, the problem will be exacerbated.

"The collaboration will enable both charities to work more effectively. We both share the same aims and we favour a practical, down-to-earth approach to the problems of homelessness."

Moyra Martin, secretary of the Laura Martin Trust, said: "We believe co-operation is better than competition. St Patrick's is a unique organisation."

Since St Patrick's was formed in 1985, it has provided more than 130,000 bed spaces, normally 51 per night. It also operates a detoxification unit and mental health unit.

The Laura Martin Trust was set up in 1996 by family and friends of Laura Martin, who died in a car accident, aged 35.