A dad who has been homeless since he was 18 says the streets have become too unsafe with stabbings "left, right and centre".

Aaron, from Maidstone, described the town as becoming like a "mini London".

The father of two, who has asked that we do not use his surname, says he first became a rough sleeper by choice. Over the years he has been beaten and had items thrown at him while living on the streets.

“I left home because my step-dad was violent to my mum and myself," he explained.

"I thought that if I was to go, he would leave her alone, but he didn’t."

Since then, Aaron has been on and off the streets, moving from place to place.

Sometimes he would sleep on benches, or set up a small camp for the night.

In the last four years he has been coming to the day centre in Knightrider Street.

The building is run by Maidstone Homeless Care, who provide help and support for those in need.

Thanks to the charity, the 32-year-old is now in temporary accommodation.

He said: "I became homeless due to a relationship breakup – I took it quite bad, and ended up on heavy Class A drugs.

"I heard that the staff at the centre were really nice and friendly, from numerous people who have been using it ever since it opened.

"I knew quite a lot of the homeless community, and have been in and out of Maidstone all my life.

"The day centre helped me through everything – just being there, and being supportive."

Aaron says he is thankful to have a roof over his head, as the places he used to sleep in have become "too unsafe and rough".

"Maidstone was a lovely place 10 years ago, over time it has changed," he commented.

"It’s been hell. The streets are terrible.

'I’ve been beaten and had stuff thrown at me...'

"I’ve got two young children and I don’t want to bring them into town past 6pm.

"People don’t just have a fight with their fists any more – there are stabbings left, right and centre now.

"It’s kind of turning into a mini London. I’m surprised it won’t be too long before we start having gang wars."

Another client at the centre admitted he had to "sleep with one eye open", never doing up his sleeping bag in case he had to escape quickly.

Aaron added: "I’ve been beaten and had stuff thrown at me.

"It's made me more streetwise.

"I want to turn this into a good thing, so I can try and look after others."

Last month the charity launched its latest You Can Help campaign, supported by KentOnline.

Maidstone Homeless Care is collecting financial donations, as well as food, clothes and hygiene items for those in need.

To give money to the campaign, click here, or to donate items, message manager@homelesscare.org.uk

The funds raised will go towards nutritious food at a heavily-discounted price from FareShare.

"I call the centre my little safe haven," Aaron added. "You can see how much hard work they are putting into this place.

"They don’t have to do it, but they choose to.

"From the bottom of my heart, I can’t thank them enough."