POOLE homeless charity Routes to Roots has welcomed a new face to the fold.

Vicar Andy Mason has been appointed manager of the charity's vulnerably housed outreach drop-in sessions, which are currently held at the United Reformed Church in Skinner Street.

Andy is also taking on the role of the charity's volunteer coordinator, following the departure of his predecessor, Helen Tucker.

Having recently relocated to Poole after training to be a vicar, Andy will work part-time for Routes to Roots running the daily drop-in centre which provides support and advice for Poole’s vulnerably housed and homeless.

Taking a break from parish life as a vicar, Andy is also working with several local primary schools alongside the PACE Trust.

"I am very excited about joining the team at Routes to Roots and as a passionate Christian, I look forward to putting my values and principles into practice,” said Andy. “It presents a great opportunity for me to play an important role in this wonderful charity which provides vital support to those who, for many complex reasons, find themselves sleeping rough or without permanent accommodation.”

Routes to Roots re-opened their daily drop-in sessions in July after Covid-19 lockdown restrictions eased, leading to many of Poole’s homeless being released from their temporary accommodation and back on the streets.

Due to social distancing rules, the sessions are currently limited to providing daily takeaway lunches.

However, it is hoped that the drop-in team will soon be able to extend this service by offering more one-to-one support as the colder months draw closer.

Meanwhile, renovations at the charity’s new permanent base at Poole's Hill Street have begun this month.