National homelessness charity Shelter has received funding from Standard Life Charitable Trust (SLCT) for three full-time telephone advisers in England and Scotland.

Shelter's advice line provides support to those struggling with rent and mortgage payments or with issues relating to eviction or repossession. In the first three months of this year, Shelter saw a 30 per cent increase in calls to the helpline.

SLCT was set up in 2009 and is funded by the Unclaimed Assets Trust, set up following Standard Life's demutualisation to hold any cash or shares which were unclaimed. Its donation will fund the three full-time telephone advisers until May 2012.

Baroness McDonagh, chair of SLCT said: "The Standard Life Charitable Trust is focused on supporting groups who could benefit most from help and advice to improve their financial capability.

"We are delighted our donation will fund additional Shelter advisers so they can help more people who are at risk of losing their home, many of whom are experiencing severe financial problems."