ALMOST £400,000 is being handed to Worcestershire to help tackle the plight of rough sleeping.

The cash, from central Government, comes after a joint bid from several different organisations in the county to assist those at "imminent risk" of becoming homeless.

Worcester City Council says it believes the money will help around 200 troubled people stay off the streets by offering them targeted help.

It also comes just days we revealed how over 6,000 approaches had been made to the city council from people at risk of homelessness, including 3,359 families.

The £390,258 from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), will fund mental health support, assistance for beating substance misuse and advice for how troubled people can stay in their rented properties.

Nina Warrington, head of strategic housing at the city council, said: "Our primary aim in Worcestershire is to step in and provide support at an early stage, to minimise the risk of local people losing the roof over their head in the first place.

"This funding will make a significant difference to the level of support we can offer, helping more people to turn their back on rough sleeping for good."

She said staff will be asked to work extra-closely with private and social housing landlords to identify people struggling to keep their tenancies.

A rough sleeper count in Worcester city centre last November found 10 people on the streets but campaigners have poured scorn on that figure, saying the reality is far worse.

Homelessness campaigner Hugo Sugg said: "Is this money good? Yes, it will make a difference to people threatened with homelessness.

"But it won't make a difference to the 47 people found to be homeless at the 'pre-intelligence' count in Worcester.

"We've got some money, great, but they need to focus on the people on the streets and get them off it, especially at this time of year.

"Homelessness is rising, they need to look on what's happening on the streets."

A spokesman for DCLG said the fund will be handed over by the end of March.

The bid was made in conjunction with all of Worcestershire's councils, the police, the CCP, the fire service, NHS and various housing groups.