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“Without the help I have had, I might not be here.”

The words of just one of many vulnerable people charity Helping Caring Team (HCT) has come to the aid of.

Now thanks to a National Lottery Community Fund grant of £52,400 the charity’s work for the next two years is secured.

The Blackwood-based charity, founded in 2019 by Hayley Thomas, runs a wide range of services to help the homeless and vulnerable from its ‘Pink Pantry’ base on Bridge Street.

Hayley, who was recently thanked for her work on the BBC’s The One Show explained: “We place an importance on talking to and building trust with the people we support and sign-posting organisations who can assist with practical help towards tenancies, claiming benefits and arranging support for mental and physical health issues.

“In this way, we bridge the gap between the vulnerable and homeless and the agencies that can help.

“We provide hot and cold food and essential supplies in partnership with supermarkets, restaurants and bakeries, ensuring nothing is wasted. We share information and supplies with other charity groups, helping those in need and local food banks. We collect and distribute donated items such as clothes, tents and sleeping bags.

“We also arrange and fund emergency accommodation when necessary and liaise on a regular basis with local councils in providing the needs of those without a home.”

The £52,400 lottery funding will cover the charity’s core costs. It is run on a voluntary basis with no paid staff, meaning the money will go directly to those in need.

Garedd Preece, 51, has been attending HCT’s community hub for around a year.

The former HGV driver said: “Before coming to HCT, I was living in a garden shed for seven months.

“They have provided me with food, clothes, help filling in forms, and if I’ve had a hospital appointment they have driven me there.”

Garedd’s story is a reminder of how fragile life can be.

An accident at work caused by a health issue led to the loss of his job.

“After that I eventually lost my home, but these guys have helped me through it and I’m about to move into my own flat soon.

“Hayley and everyone have done a lot helping me. I am happy and the most content I have been for the past several years.

“Light is shining at the end of the tunnel.”

A similar story is shared by Ben Evans, 36. Between the ages of 11 and 16, Ben was fostered by no fewer than 28 different carers.

Since then he has been a regular in the criminal justice system for various assaults. He has only just started being helped by HCT and hopes with their help he can try and turn his life around – but it is not easy as various support agencies now refuse to deal with him.

He said: “What HCT have done for me in the last four to five weeks is more help than I have had over the past 20 years.”

• If you are in need of help, you can visit HCT on Bridge Street, email hcteam2023@outlook.com or call 07507 630014.