St Mungo's, London's largest homeless charity, has today formally launched a new approach to helping rough sleepers combat alcohol addiction.

The Alcohol Reduction Unit (ARU), a five-bed residential support service in King's Cross, aims to stabilise residents' alcohol consumption through a mix of group work, complementary therapies and structured activities.

St Mungo's have said it is the first of its kind in London.

St Mungo's regional director David Devoy said: "Using methods ranging from reflexology to visits to the London Eye, the ARU helps homeless people reduce or stabilise their alcohol intake - acting as a stepping stone to further detox and rehabilitation therapies.

The ARU is one of a range of substance use services provided by St Mungo's, which in 2006/07 made 984 referrals that helped people into detox, rehab, prescribing services and specialist units.