Every one of the 9 years I’ve volunteered at the Crisis at Christmas I have seen the operations improved substantially.

The 2025-26 seasonal offering saw my 6 days split between IT support and general volunteering. As a sponsored volunteer, I was thrilled to have raised over £500 inc. gift aid. Thank you to all those who made such generous contributions.

Here are some of the key observations and thoughts:

1. All of humanity was represented, both those in need and those offering help. Over 3,200 volunteers, who have helped over 6,000 people facing homelessness. Volunteers delivered everything from health and wellbeing advice and hairdressing, to conversation and a listening ear, and support in finding a place to stay – when guests and members needed it the most. In these moments of support, in acts of care, in keys handed over, people can build their lives out of homelessness, one step at a time. One person at a time.

2. Used a translation text to speech app to interact with a guests who spoke very little english. The result: a smile that would have lit up a football stadium, all because communication eradicated isolation and brought understanding

3. As the closing operations began, some guests began to barricade themselves in their rooms because the fear and trauma of ending up back on the streets was terrifying

4. As we helped guests to vacate their rooms, some had stockpiled vast quantities of food in their rooms to take with them as they left

5. Just saying “Hello… are you ok?” as you walk past a homeless person can make the world of difference.

6. The provision of services by volunteers was the vehicle that delivered humanity and dignity, and it is this that helps lift 85% of the guests into a better future.

Join humanity and make a difference….. Email cc************@********rg.uk to make your offer of 2-3 days over the next December-January period.

THANK YOU!

For those with two minutes still to spare, a message from Crisis and its guests.

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