RESIDENTS at a homeless hostel in Winchester are once again stepping out to spread some Christmas cheer to families in need.

The residents of West View House in Hyde are raising funds for Friends of the Family, a local charity based at the Quaker Meeting House in Colebrook Street which supports vulnerable parents and children.

A sponsored walk is planned from the hostel in Hyde Gate to St Catherine’s Hill and back on December 12.

West View residents come from a variety of backgrounds and receive support with issues such as mental health, drug and alcohol abuse.

Molly Edwards, project worker, said the aim was to give something back to a local charity.

“Friends of the family are fantastic service and we hope here at West View House to be able to raise awareness of poverty and homelessness in our local area and to be able to bring some joy into people’s lives especially around the Christmas period.”

She appealed for sponsorship, saying: “We really appreciate every donation and hope we can give something back to such a great and vital cause in Winchester.”

Last year, West View supported Winchester Basics Bank and raised £1,000 to buy about 100 new toys for children in need.

Friends of the Family runs mother and toddler groups, father support groups while volunteers also do home visits. It is funded through voluntary donations, fundraising activities and a small number of grants.

To sponsor West View residents see justgiving website which is: www.justgiving.com/westviewwalk