Your kindness could kill if you give money directly to beggars.

That's the stark message from the homelessness charity Dover Outreach Centre.

It uses the slogan "your kindness could kill" and urges people to instead give their money to groups helping the destitute.

The group's website explains that many who beg often have drug and alcohol addictions, and use the money given by passers-by to feed their habits.

Funding charities would help provide lasting support and help deal with underlying problems.

The DOC website said: "We understand that people wand to help those in need and it is a hard message to be asked not to give money to them.

"We are not saying don't help beggars - the best way to help is to give to those charities, which can make a lasting effect on their lives."

DOC says that even buying beggars food is misguided because it then leaves them spare money to buy drugs and alcohol.

It can also stop them engaging with agencies that can offer personal help.

Charities in Dover provide the homeless with meals every day and most of those helped receive state benefits.

DOC itself provides Foodbank vouchers.

Life expectancy for rough sleepers already averages only 47 years for men and 42 for women.

Housed men and women lived to an average age of 82 and 86 respectively.

For a full and detailed report on homelessness in Dover district, and how it is being tackled, see this week's Dover and East Kent Mercuries.