A man who was once homeless but now devotes time to highlighting the problem has told a parish council there are at least 20 people living rough on Sheppey.

Malcolm Staines has become well known for helping people sleeping on the Island’s streets. He’s often seen in Sheerness town centre handing out essentials like underwear and hot food vouchers.

The 63-year-old recently met with Minster Parish Council to talk about his experiences and question their impressions of homeless people. He spoke about the kindness of strangers and about his own struggle to get back into accommodation.

He raised the particular issue of single people sleeping on the streets, who he believes often run into more problems finding housing than families do.

Mr Staines also opened members’ eyes to how easy it is to keep someone fed and warm, by showing them a kit he puts together for just £25, which includes cooking equipment, a tin opener and tarpaulin.

He spoke about providing a rough sleeper who had found shelter in the back of a lorry with this kit, which allowed them to stay warm until help could be found.

After the 63-year-old’s visit, the parish council voted unanimously to support his cause, pledging to purchase £100 in food bank vouchers and to work with Mr Staines and other groups to address the issue.

Swale council carried out a rough sleepers estimate for the district last November, which found there were six known rough sleepers, of which three were on the Island, two in Sittingbourne and one in Faversham.

Mr Staines maintained however that the actual number was much higher, with his estimate at closer to 20 people on Sheppey alone.

A council spokesman said: “We will try to help everyone in the borough that has a housing problem, and it’s far better to try to get help early, to prevent homelessness in the first place.

“We work with partners to try to help anyone that is sleeping rough and to make sure people are directed to the services available to help.”

Anyone who is homeless or thinks they might be made homeless should call the council’s housing options team on 01795 417622. Alternatively, visit one of the council offices. There is also a drop-in service at Sheppey Gateway, High Street, Sheerness.