T HE Churches Housing Action Team (CHAT) are holding drop-in sessions, at the Council offices Crediton, on Tuesdays from 2pm to 4pm.

CHAT believes that "everybody is entitled to decent, secure and affordable housing – somewhere to call home."

Jo Turner, Housing Advice Worker for CHAT will be holding the drop-in advice surgeries at the CAB rooms in Market Street.

CHAT can provide housing advice, act as an advocate, offer deposit guarantees, refer clients to Tenancy Support and the Youth Housing Project and point people in the direction of other relevant organisations.

They work with those who may be threatened with homelessness, living in substandard or overcrowded accommodation, sleeping rough, living in temporary accommodation, being released from prison, youth offenders institution or discharged from hospital without having a home to go to.

Youth Project, a partnership between Churches Housing Action Team (CHAT) and Mid Devon district Council (MDCC) and Westcountry Housing Association (WHA) works with vulnerable young people aged between 16 and 24.

CHAT also work with 13 to 19 year olds who are being threatened with homelessness or having conflicts at home and can offer mediation to try to resolve problems.

For those who are identified as having exceptional needs a hardship fund is in place and may also provide emergency bedding, sleeping bags and tents or furniture.

CHAT is a registered charity and depend on the generous support of individuals, churches and grant-making trusts and welcome fund raising events such as sponsored concerts or social events.

Gifts of dried or canned foods are also appreciated by those that are homeless or experiencing hardship.

For more information check out the website http://www.chatmid.org">www.chatmid.org or telephone 01884 255606.