The Halliday Foundation has called for people to be kind after criticism of its decision to suspend services it provides

A homeless charity said it faced online abuse after having to suspend its services as a result of coronavirus.

The Halliday Foundation provides vital assistance to homeless people in Glasgow, but had to suspend its operations following government advice.

However the charity has said it has been sent threatening messages since the decision was made.

“It saddens me to report that we have received several threatening messages from others outwith our charity following the decision to temporarily suspend our normal operations,”a statement on the foundation’s Facebook page said.

“The decision to suspend our outreach service was a heartbreaking one to make. We reached this after a comprehensive risk assessment was undertaken from an external partner agency. To knowingly put service-users and volunteers at risk goes against everything that we stand for as group and is also against all government and NHS guidelines.”

The charity has said it is continuing to support homeless people in other ways, such as dropping off food at hostels, and has been working with the Simon Community and other partners.

The statement continued: “We take a zero tolerance approach at abuse to our volunteers/charity. I would plead to all charities/volunteer groups lets work together, stop the threats, and let's help those most in need at this difficult time. Only last month #bekind was trending in the UK.

“Together, we can get through this.”