The Deposit Protection Service has now donated more than £100,000 to charities following awards to organisations in Bristol, Colchester and Sheffield.

The UK’s largest provider of deposit protection established a fund last year to help charities that support the homeless and those who need help to live independently.

Daren King, head of Tenancy Deposit Protection at The DPS, said: “The DPS has now given £100,000 in donations to charities over the course of 15 months.

“StopGap Sheffield, Cintre Community in Bristol and Colchester Emergency Night Shelter are the most recent recipients – they provide vital services and we’re very pleased to be able to help fund the support they provide to those who need it.”

StopGap Sheffield covers the costs of short-term accommodation for homeless people in Sheffield. It will use a £5,000 award to provide food and shelter as well as to help more people escape violence.

Cintre Community offers services to vulnerable people in residential and community settings.

A £5,000 award from The DPS will provide funds for CINTRE Reachout in the south-west – a service which helps people with a range of learning difficulties to live independently in their own homes.

Colchester Emergency Night Shelter (CENS) supports homeless adults in a range of ways, from CV writing to providing emergency accommodation.

With a £10,000 award from The DPS, CENS will help people through their first year of a new tenancy by guaranteeing rent, providing a conciliation service and supporting the tenant to become an active member of the community.

Charities focused on the housing sector can apply for funds via The DPS website at www.depositprotection.com/charity.

Applications for the next round of awards must be submitted by September 30.