Celebrities including Chris Martin, Dina Asher-Smith, Ellie
Goulding, Emma Thompson, Nihal Arthanayake and Will Poulter, have
narrated a new short film from national homelessness charity
Crisis, to raise awareness of the impact of homelessness this
Christmas.
The film flips the well-known ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ song on
its head from celebrating festive gift-giving to highlighting the
real and devastating experiences of people facing homelessness at
Christmas and how Crisis can help.
The film follows six characters’ journeys from the dangers of
being stuck in the worst forms of homelessness - including being
forced to sleep on our streets, sleeping on sofas or on public
transport – to taking their first steps out of homelessness with
the support of Crisis. After coming to Crisis, the characters are
shown accessing vital services, being provided with companionship
and being connected to Crisis’ year-round support to help them
out of homelessness and leave it behind for good – all of which
is available at Crisis’ Christmas services.
The film is released as Crisis gears up to its 50th year of
providing vital Christmas services for people experiencing
homelessness at one of the toughest times of year. Over the
Christmas period, the charity will open hotels and centres across
the capital, as well as a whole range of services across its 11
Skylight centres, to provide a place to stay, essential food and
toiletries, advice on housing, employment and benefits as well as
friendship and support.
50 years on since the very first Crisis at Christmas, Crisis is
still needed. This year, Crisis is calling on the public to give
the gift of a Crisis Christmas to someone experiencing
homelessness by donating £29.06.
Singer, songwriter and Crisis Ambassador, Ellie Goulding,
said: “Once again, Christmas is fast approaching and
still, there are thousands of people across Great Britain
experiencing homelessness. I’m incredibly passionate about
Crisis’ work and this film shows us the power of the charity’s
support in helping people on their journey out of homelessness.
I’m proud to be part of the Crisis family and urge anyone who can
to join me in supporting Crisis this year and help end
homelessness for good.”
Broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake said: “I’m always
saddened to see people freezing on our streets and to hear of
people stuck in temporary accommodation with nowhere to call
home. It often comes up in the conversations I have with people,
and from speaking to Crisis about the support they provide,
loneliness is often one of the most devastating things about
sleeping rough and that even something as simple as having a chat
can make all the difference – especially if you can point them to
support available.”
Jon Sparkes, chief executive at Crisis, said:
“As we once again prepare to open our Christmas services, this
film not only lays bare the brutal realities that people
experiencing homelessness face, but also highlights the true
value of Crisis and its services in helping people out of
homelessness.
“No one should have to spend Christmas homeless and alone, and
we’ll once again be doing all we can to support people over the
festive period and introduce them to what we can offer all year
round too.
“Fifty years on since we first opened our Christmas services,
Crisis is still needed – please support Crisis this year and give
someone a Crisis Christmas and help more people leave
homelessness behind for good.”
