More than 40 different services will be at the Hunter Homeless Connect Day at the Newcastle PCYC on Tuesday, August 12, with a day of legal and financial advice, free services, activities and entertainment.

“Services from across the Hunter will combine to connect people who are homeless or who are at risk of becoming homeless,” Hunter Homeless Connect management committee member Nicola Hirschhorn said.

“We are expecting scores of people from Maitland and surrounding areas to join up to 1200 people at our sixth event,” she said.

“We see people come in waves off the train here, taking advantage of the free transport offered.

“This is always a big event and it can be a lifeline for those who are homeless, doing it tough, or at risk of becoming homeless. Being homeless is more than being roofless – it’s also about building caring relationships with others.

“This will be also be about creating friendships and raising self-esteem and we have seen it become a real boost to many in need.

“More than 40 different services will have people available to help.

“And we expect scores of people from across the Hunter to attend – from Maitland, the Central Coast and as far as Taree.”

Services at the workshop:

* Legal and financial advice, help with debt management, birth ­certificates, no-interest loans, free legal advice, tax help and tenant and consumer advice

* Housing and accommodation help - access to public and social housing providers, crisis accommodation, refuges, hostels and ­assitance for rough sleepers

* A health centre providing dental health checks, immunisations, wound care and general health checks

* Family services

* Help to get a job and assistance with resumes

* Free all day food, haircuts, workshops, warm clothing and bedding.