Thousands of people may be sleeping rough on the streets of Wales this Christmas, but at least the homeless in Cardiff can look forward to some comfort in the new year.

A double decker bus has been turned into a mobile cafe, medical centre and advice unit, and will take to the streets in January 2003.

The numbers on the streets in Wales are rising

Figures released on Friday have revealed a 25% increase in homelessness in Wales.

Staff working with rough sleepers in the capital say hostels are full to capacity and as many as 25 people will have no choice but to sleep on the streets this year.

Six weeks ago, organisations involved with the homeless became aware of an urgent need for outreach facilities in the city.

Cardif Bus donated a double-decker and, with the help of funding from community support schemes, it was kitted out with a kitchen and caf� area, toilet, rest area, and treatment and consultation room.

Mobile resource

The bus will be used as a mobile resource for rough sleepers, particulary for those who may not be able to get into hostels.

At night, the homeless - some of whom may be at risk of hypothermia or victimisation - can visit the bus for a rest, food and help.

During the day, the bus will fulfil a drop-in centre role, providing a link to health, counselling, and other services.

Commitment

Community organisation Safer Cardiff is overseeing the conversion of the vehicle, and other partners supporting the project include Cardiff County Council, British Transport Police, the Big Issue, the Salvation Army, CRISIS, Wales and Borders trains, NCP and APCOA.

Lord Mayor Russell Goodway said the project confirmed the city's commitment to looking after all sectors of the population.

Meanwhile, the homeless charity Shelter are preparing for a flood of emergency calls during the Christmas period.

Most of the calls for help at this time of year come from rough sleepers trying to find somewhere to stay for Christmas.

But Shelter says an increasing number of people find themselves homeless following domestic disputes during the festive period.

Last Christmas 200 of the 1,000 emergency calls to Shelter's 24-hour free helpline came from families with children - a 30% rise on the previous year.

Anyone with a housing problem this Christmas should call Shelterline on 0808 800 4444.