TWO volunteers have set up a new organisation to continue the work they do to support the homeless community.

Shelley Morris and Haddie Kilner have formed Second Chance to encapsulate the support they offer in and around Bournemouth.

The non-profit organisation aims to support the homeless with regular outreach work in the town and attempting to build a rapport and trust to help them access services.

The duo are keen to ensure they are not getting in the way of the work other agencies are already doing in Bournemouth, but said they believe there is a gap in the system that needs filling.

"We decided it would be good to offer support for the homeless and at the same time trying to get their trust so we can help them. We're not adding any extra services," Shelley said.

"We know what is available help wise, most of it, and we're still learning about things that are out there.

"There doesn't seem to be much information or people can't access that information to find it.

"It is a gap we have always been able to see, which is quite frustrating because there isn't anyone pushing to fill it.

"There are people we have helped and linked to the help but they have not made it which is frustrating because it is that support system which isn't in place."

The pair aim to go out twice a week if possible and talk to members of the homeless community to see if there is anything they desperately need or if they can help them get in contact with relevant support agencies.

Following contact from a number of different groups, Second Chance have teamed up with Dogs On The Street to provide a monthly drop in clinic to support homeless people who have dogs.

At the session, which takes place for the first time on Saturday, March 3 at St Pauls Hostel on St Paul's Lane, free vet care will be on offer including food, leads, collars, toys and micro-chipping.

Going forward Shelley said Second Chance are hoping to push for a daytime facility.

"One thing Bournemouth is really missing in all we do, is if people are going to be moved on they need somewhere to go," she added.

"It filters the situation so if people don't want immediate help it is still somewhere for them to go, with a familiar face and a bit of trust.

"A lot of it is trust and breaking through that barrier because a lot of people feel everyone has an agenda against them.

"It would be brilliant if there was overnight accommodation as well, but that would have to be with people who are part of the process.

"The next stage from the engaging but there are people working with you and then you can identify the people who don't want part of that.

"A lot of the criticism at the moment is that there is no support, it is there, but it is getting them there.

"It is not as straightforward as picking up a homeless person and putting them in a house."

To find out more about the work Second chance do visit www.facebook.com/secondchancebmth.