Today (3 December), a star-studded group of actors and musicians
came together to support the charity Crisis, which will be
providing vital support to people facing homelessness over the
festive period.
Ambika Mod, star of the hit Netflix series One Day;
Singer-songwriter Tom Grennan; Bridgerton
actors Bessie Carter and Golda Rosheuvel; Ted Lasso star
Phil Dunster and The Decameron actor Amar Chadha-Patel
all lent a hand at the charity's warehouse with preparations for
the opening of their Christmas services later this month.
Throughout the day, the group helped write Christmas cards and
prepared welcome packs of essential items, such as toiletries and
warm winter clothing, for every guest to receive when they arrive
at Crisis' hotel services in London.
Every Christmas, the charity mobilises a unique volunteering
effort to provide warmth, companionship and vital services to
people facing homelessness at one of the toughest times of the
year. In three weeks' time, Crisis will provide hotel rooms in
London to over 570 people who would otherwise be sleeping rough
at Christmas, while also opening day centres across the capital
to support people in insecure living situations such as hostels.
The warehouse is an integral part of Crisis at Christmas as this
is where all vital donations including food, clothing,
toiletries, games and activities are organised ahead of being
distributed to Crisis' Christmas services across London.
Through its year-round services, hotels, day centres and health
and wellbeing programmes, Crisis will be supporting over 6,000
people this Christmas who are experiencing homelessness across
Britain. Crisis' Christmas services work alongside the specialist
support the charity provides all year round which includes
helping people to find their own stable home and develop their
skills and confidence to rebuild their lives away from
homelessness.
This winter over a quarter of a million households will be
experiencing the worst forms of homelessness across Britain,
including rough sleeping, sofa surfing, or being stuck in
unsuitable temporary accommodation like nightly paid B&Bs.
Rough sleeping in London continues to rise as 4,780 people were
forced to sleep on the capital's streets between July and
September this year - a significant increase of 18% on the same
period last year.
The charity is calling on the public to support its vital work
this winter and beyond by giving £29.80 to help someone take
their first steps to a life beyond homelessness. Please visit
https://bit.ly/4gbgrny.
Bessie Carter, Actor and Crisis Supporter, said:
"It's been really inspiring to return and support Crisis at their
warehouse for a second year, helping with the preparations that
ensure their services are ready for the Christmas season. The
staff and volunteers here provide the foundation for the
charity's life-changing work and help Crisis support people to
leave homelessness behind. I would urge everyone to join me in
donating to or volunteering with Crisis this winter, so they can
be there for anyone who needs them – both at Christmas and all
year round."
Golda Rosheuvel, Actor and Crisis Supporter,
said: "Supporting Crisis at Christmas has been a truly
special experience - from helping prepare welcome packs for
guests to writing Christmas cards. The festive season is a
difficult time for many, but Crisis offers warmth and
companionship and is determined to help people facing
homelessness take their first steps to a life beyond it. I would
encourage people to get involved, in whatever way possible, as
you would be making a real difference this Christmas.”
Matt Downie, Crisis Chief Executive, said: “The
festive season is meant to be a time for home comforts like
sharing meals and heartfelt moments with the people we love most.
Yet for so many experiencing homelessness, this is far from
reality. No one should have to face Christmas without the warmth
and security of a safe home.
“This year, we are continuing our mission to help everyone who
walks through our doors take their first step in a life-changing
journey out of homelessness – with today's vital preparations
playing a key role. Our Christmas services simply wouldn't be
possible without the dedication of our volunteers who ensure
every single guest feels a sense of belonging. We are incredibly
grateful to all our supporters, as only with their kindness and
generosity can we help people build a life beyond homelessness.”
