EMERGENCY SOS packs are being launched in an effort to help homeless people in Clacton.

The bright orange bags will contain personal hygiene items such as toothpaste, wipes, hand towels, soap and shampoo, as well as glucose tablets.

Diane Boyd, of Tendring Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), said people who suddenly found themselves homeless were often left with no personal possessions.

They might be fleeing domestic violence or have been discharged from hospital or mental health unit.

“We have had women who have been escaping domestic violence and need to be relocated in a refuge who haven’t had any personal items with them,” said Ms Boyd.

“There was one woman found down Station Road who had left another town and had nothing other than the handbag she was carrying.”

The SOS – Sainsbury's Overnight Supplies – scheme is being supported by the supermarket and will officially be launched next week. People can donate items for the bags at Clacton’s High Street branch.

Ms Boyd said the emergency packs could also be customised for individuals, such as if a homeless mum needed nappies for her baby.

“We want to do as much as we can to help those people in need alongside all the other services at the CAB,” she added.

The bags will be kept at CAB centres in Clacton and Harwich, and at Tendring Mental Health, in Old Road, Clacton.