How many homeless people are there in Lancashire this month? The short answer is too many.

But no one really knows because they are not east to find. Those sleeping rough in any town on any night are just the very cold tip of the iceberg. Five times as many - possibly living in squats, or sofa surfing - turn up each week at drop-in projects to get a free meal.

So what can we do to help? You may already be wondering whether it is a good idea to give cash or better to offer a cuppa and a sandwich. So, beyond prayers, here are some suggestions of ways you can offer effective help not just at Christmas, but throughout the year….

Donations: I think that instead of throwing a few coins to people begging in the street your money can be most wisely and effectively used if channelled through the specialist charities across Lancashire working with the homeless; they offer high quality and effective support. Instead of money the following items can be particularly useful • Non perishable foods (especially those which don’t need much cooking or a can opener).

• Toiletries (eg razors, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste) • Clothing (particularly warm and waterproof outer garments, new underwear and socks, sturdy footwear) • Sleeping bags and other bedding - but please check first whether the organisation wants to distribute such items.

Volunteering: Many of the projects working with homeless people are glad of regular unpaid help in befriending, serving homeless people or helping behind the scenes.

Listening, learning and campaigning: Find out about local services for homeless people. Talk to them and listen to their stories. The more you understand the lives of homeless people, the more you are likely to understand the issues they face.

You may want to write to your MP or councillors or get involved with campaigns run by ‘Housing Justice’, the national voice of Christian action for housing and homelessness, or ‘Shelter’ which has been leading the struggle against homelessness for many decades.

Finally, don’t write off the homeless. Homelessness has many different causes, and there is no single solution. It’s often linked to poverty, family breakdown, domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse and getting into trouble with the law. And who knows – it could happen to any of us.

Greg Smith Development Co-ordinator Together Lancashire