Crisis, the national homelessness charity, is calling on people across London to volunteer at their Christmas services this year to provide companionship and support to people experiencing homelessness at one of the toughest times of year.
Can you help?: the national homelessness charity Crisis is seeking help over Christmas
The charity urgently needs “night owls” in and around London to provide in-person support through the night for guests at its Christmas services, and people with a background in providing support and advice who can provide remote telephone assistance to people experiencing homelessness across Britain over the festive period.
Every year, Crisis runs services providing accommodation, food, companionship over Christmas, and an introduction to Crisis’ year-round services to help people take their first steps out of homelessness.
Volunteering opportunities are now available, and the charity is calling for:
Hotel Night Assistants
People who are able to fill at least two-night shifts over the period between December 22 to January 5 to welcome guests, deliver meals, connect guests to vital services and provide a friendly ear. Sign up here: https://www.crisis.org.uk/get-involved/christmas-volunteering-london/general-volunteers/hotel-assistant-volunteer/
Telephone Advice Workers
People with experience in housing and homelessness, immigration, benefits and welfare rights, women’s rights and family or criminal law to volunteer between December 24 to January 4 to provide practical telephone advice and support to help people take their first steps out of homelessness. Sign up here: https://www.crisis.org.uk/get-involved/christmas-volunteering-london/knowledge-sharers/remote-advice-volunteer/
All volunteers also receive full online training and ongoing support from a designated Remote Advice Manager and will have access to a phone system which protects volunteer privacy.
“Crisis’ work is year-round, but when it comes to our Christmas services, it’s down to the generosity of our fantastic volunteers that we’re able to provide a safe and supportive place for those with nowhere else to go to over Christmas,” said the charity’s Ian Richards.
“Over the week, the chance to chat, relax and rest in a safe and comfortable environment does wonders for a person’s sense of connection and wellbeing. This in turn helps encourage people to engage with the support services and start their journey out of homelessness.
“Telephone support is a lifeline for our clients at Crisis, providing practical support to help people take their first steps out of homelessness and introduce them to our year-round services. This year, we still desperately need advice workers and night shift volunteers to help us ensure we can provide practical support to all who need it so please do sign up if you can.”
Crisis is taking every precaution to make sure that our hotels are covid secure and are in line with current government guidelines.
All volunteers will also be encouraged to complete a lateral flow test before each shift.
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