A charity is appealing for donations to buy a new pet-friendly sleep pod.

New Hope, which supports people experiencing homelessness in Watford, has launched a Crowdfunder appeal to raise £4,923 by Thursday, October 31.

The aim is to purchase the pod in time for the opening of its winter shelter.

It will be used to provide additional crisis accommodation for people with pets, mobility issues, or those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The sleep pod will be located in the garden of the Haven, alongside the 15 beds on its first floor.

Debby McKinlay, who runs the charity’s winter shelter, said: "In just over three months' time, our winter shelter will open and this year we want to provide additional crisis accommodation for people who have pets, mobility issues, or suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

"As well as the 15 beds on the first floor of the Haven, we want a warm and cosy sleep pod in the garden.

"This pod will be suitable for people with dogs, people who cannot walk upstairs, and those, such as armed forces veterans, who have post-traumatic stress disorder and are unable to sleep in a room with others.

"We need to raise £4,923 by October 31."

To support New Hope’s Crowdfunder, go to crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-pet-friendly-pod.  

New Hope has been providing accommodation and support for people experiencing homelessness in Watford for almost 35 years.

Each year, more than 475 people receive support from New Hope, and 52 people are accommodated every night.

The charity offers intervention, recovery, and prevention services.