A homeless charity in Richmond has received £10,000 to help get people off the streets and back into work.

Spear, which has a hostel in Richmond Circus, received the funding from St George, part of the Berkeley Group, having been chosen as one of the organisation’s local charities.

The partnership will see the start of a four year relationship between the groups. Managing director of St George Ian Dobie said he was impressed with the work Spear carried out at its Richmond hostel.

He said: “It was not what I expected. Spear has brought its clients together and enabled them to realise their own ambitions.”

MP Zac Goldsmith, who was at the Spear office in Twickenham on Friday, September 7, to see the cheque presentation, praised the work of Spear and said funding had come at a critical time.

He said: “This has never been more important, the need for this service is on the increase. It is not just about shelters, but about preparing people for the future.”

The money will help to fund Spear’s skills development programme, helping homeless people prepare for work and teach them how to live sustainable lives.

St George is also sponsoring the Big Snooze, a charity event which will see people sleep rough at the Harlequins stadium in Twickenham on October 6.

Stuart Nevill, CEO of Spear, said: “It is hugely touching and we are very grateful to the Berkeley Foundation for supporting us.”