We have become used to paid fundraisers stopping us in Glasgow city centre to ask for donations to charities.

But if you see Shelter Scotland staff in Sauchiehall Street on Wednesday they won’t be asking for your hard-earned cash.

Instead they’ll be offering free housing advice on everything from rent arrears to homelessness.

The pop-up street clinic inspired by hit TV show ‘Embarrassing Bodies’ will see a gazebo set up in the pedestrianised zone.

Staff will be on hand to listen to people’s housing problems and provide solutions.

The first of its kind in Scotland, the street clinic idea was spearheaded by Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland.

He said: “No one should have to face bad housing and homelessness alone and our advisors will be on hand throughout the day to help.

“No problem is too small or too big and I encourage anyone who is facing a housing issue to come and speak to one of our experts on Sauchiehall Street.

“Whether you’re facing rent or mortgage arrears, want help in resolving a problem with your landlord, are living in poor quality housing or just want more information about the help and support Shelter Scotland offers, we’ll be there for you throughout the day.”

Glasgow has a high proportion of people in rented accommodation, with 17% of households in the private sector and 35% in council or social housing.

Last year there were 6,652 homelessness applications to the council - 1,831 households were put in temporary accommodation and within these were 1,200 homeless children.

More than 10,000 households approached the council through the Housing Options system seeking help with a housing crisis.

Sabina Kadic-Mackenzie, of Shelter Scotland, is hopeful that the free advice clinic in Sauchiehall Street will encourage people with housing problems to come forward.

She said: “It’s the first time our housing advice has been offered in this way. If it’s easier for someone to spend ten minutes speaking to one of our experts on the street rather than spending time on the phone or looking on the internet – or worse burying their head in the sand - then that’s positive.

“It’s about accessibility and visibility. People should know they’re not alone, and don’t have to fight bad housing and homelessness alone.

“We’re hopeful that people will make use of the experts on the street, readily available to offer advice and links to further assistance and support where it’s needed.

“We hope to engage people who perhaps didn’t know Shelter Scotland can help them. There’s a misconception that we only help street homeless people. We can help with any issue relating to housing from street homelessness to owner-occupiers struggling with their bills to private renters experiencing problems. If people come to us sooner, we can do more to help.”

Graeme Brown added: “I would urge anyone who needs housing advice but is unable to make it to the street clinic to call our free national helpline on 0808 800 4444 or visit shelterscotland.org.”