A charity which helps people battling with homelessness, long-term unemployment and addiction is set to expand thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund.

St Giles Trust plans to establish a national network of seven 'peer hubs' over the next four years with the potential to help 6,000 people.

It says the hubs will offer people with first-hand experience of disadvantage the opportunity to become professionally qualified advice workers supporting others.

The peer hub network is based on an approach already used by St Giles Trust whereby people who have experienced difficulties in life are able to gain skills, experience and qualifications.

The trust's chief executive Rob Owen said: 'The peer hubs offer a smart, grassroots way of supporting people and communities and changing the way that services are delivered.

'National Lottery players are already supporting our existing work which has transformed the lives of thousands. This latest grant will create a true legacy building on its existing success.'