The Mitchell Library has been shortlisted for an award for their services to vulnerable people.

Staff at the one of the UK's busiest libraries in Glasgow realised their building had become a safe space for vulnerable people, and decided to reach out to them.

Working with Glasgow's Citizens Advice Bureau they set up an 'in reach' service.

The project has now been recognised by the Libraries Change Lives awards for their work.

The library team and the Bureau help library customers in need of information and advice on a range of issues including financial and debt problems, and employment and legal difficulties.

The library staff have found that working with the Citizen's Advice Bureau has created opportunities to provide more support and advice to people experiencing homelessness.

Pat McComiskey, a project worker at the library, explains: "If I see anyone that has bags or in a poor state of health, I then asked the staff if there's any history to them or anything that I should know.

"I then try and approach them and introduce myself and say that I am here for them, if they need any help - just come to me.

"When I get the reception and when I see the outcomes of it I am really pleased."

The library says the service has been a huge success.

Principal librarian, Rosemary O'Hare, said: "The staff were really keen to take this up and keep it going.

"And it has given them that sense to call on someone when they need that help rather than phoning someone, they know [Pat} is in the building and he'll be able to come round.

"And there are times when he will point people out to them or he walks round and says 'have you seen anyone who could do with my help?'.

"And that's worked really well."

One person who has used the service says that it has helped make her life "much better"..

Simona, not her real name, says: "They've helped me lots, right from the start when I was in the night shelter, and finally right now getting my personal independent pay.

"They have restored my support allowances and now I'm settled in my house, everything is much better."