A CITY homeless centre is remaining open despite having to make the "difficult decision" to restrict certain services.

Maggs Day Centre in Deansway is continuing to support rough sleepers during the coronavirus crisis, but has had to make changes to its day to day operations.

Mel Kirk, Maggs chief executive, said: "The day centre is operating for rough sleepers only. We have to adhere to social distancing and it is quite a small building so we are only able to offer services outside at the moment.

"We are providing breakfast and takeaway lunch and can assist with phone calls because lots of agencies are now moving to phone only. We are helping make the phone calls for them to try and help out.

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"At the moment as long as is possible, we will be able to operate on that basis."

Maggs will also be offering phone support to service users in accommodation to check they are alright and make sure they have what they need.

In addition, Maggs teams will be removed from working if they display symptoms of coronavirus to be replaced with another team.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Maggs Clothing Project is advised to get in touch with them and arrange for a member of staff or volunteer to take in their donations.

Ms Kirk added: "We will be offering a limited service so service users or 'referers' will need to email saying what they need - that will start from Friday (March 27)

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Elsewhere, the Maggs Day Centre in Malvern remains open to rough sleepers only, with district and town councillor Samantha Charles saying: "We know that 60-70 per cent of rough sleepers suffer from a respiratory condition and are at increased risk from Coronavirus.

"It is essential that they are supported to be housed and able to safely self isolate where necessary, while receiving the care they need. If you are sleeping rough, at risk of becoming homeless or you live in unsuitable housing they can help."

Finally, the Big Worcester Sleep Out, an annual event to raise money for Maggs, has been postponed due to coronavirus.

The event, which also raises money for St Paul’s Hostel and the Warriors Community Foundation, sees hundreds sleep out at Sixways Stadium to raise funds for the charities.

Founded in the 1980s, Maggs Day Centre helps people who are rough sleepers, or in accommodation but struggling.

For more information or to help Maggs, go to www.maggsdaycentre.co.uk