A DARLINGTON charity is sending a heartfelt message to local businesses to provide relief for homeless people.

First Stop, which has supported those in hardship for 16 years, will hold an event exposing the reality of homeless living and explaining ways local businesses can support this issue.

It will take place on Monday, November 30, from 5pm to 7pm at Truffle Restaurant on Grange Road, Darlington.

In January 2013, First Stop’s social enterprise Bike Stop was officially opened by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby in Skinnergate to help vulnerable people back into work by teaching them how to fix and maintain bikes.

It also provides a bike maintenance service for customers, as well as restoring old bikes and selling them at a reduced price.

The latest event is about sharing ideas, creativity and initiative with businesses to support the unprivileged.

Tracy Freeman, the chief executive of First Stop Darlington, explained: "No one ever aspires to be homeless and to live their life in the chaos that occurs. It is not a choice that people make; it is something that happens to people, often as a result of a trauma or significant family breakdown and displacement of attachments needed for a child to develop.

"Those who find themselves homeless or close to homelessness want an opportunity to turn around their lives. They want the same as everyone else, a home and a job.

Jake Tompkins, managing director of Modus Seabed Intervention and director of Bike Stop, will be speaking at the event, along with Matthew Robertson of Truffle restaurant.

Mr Tompkins said: "Bike Stop is one of the most unique and important enterprises in Darlington and crucially has the clear objective to provide support, training and career opportunities to those in the borough of Darlington who are in severe need of help and support."

Darlington Cares, a social responsibility partnership of Darlington employers, is supporting the event and has worked with First Stop and Bike Stop over the last couple of years.

Katie Blundell, programme manager for Darlington Cares, said: "There are many ways for businesses to support their work and we have assisted with providing employee volunteers at Bike Stop as well as bike donation campaigns."

To attend the event or for more information, please contact Jayne Bradley on 01325 254463 or email jayne.bradley@firststopdarlington.org.uk