• As Crisis South Wales Skylight prepares for the Christmas and New Year period, the charity calls for donations of warm winter coats and entertainers to volunteer at its festive party
• This year, Crisis has seen a 14% increase in people accessing its South Wales Skylight services, based in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot

With Christmas now just around the corner, Crisis’ South Wales Skylight is calling for donations of warm winter coats and talented entertainers to help them deliver festive cheer to the increasing numbers of people experiencing homelessness in the area. 

The charity has seen a 14% increase in people accessing its services this year, as rising living costs, among other factors push more of us into homelessness and insecure housing.  

Crisis’ South Wales Skylight supports people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness to find a stable place to call home. The charity also offers a range of opportunities - including cookery and arts and crafts sessions - to help people develop personal and practical skills, while seeking some respite from the trauma that comes with experiencing homelessness. 

Christmas can be an especially difficult and isolating time for many people who are experiencing homelessness, and so the South Wales Skylight hosts additional festive and wellbeing events at this time of year.  

But as Christmas draws closer, the charity is urgently calling for entertainers – such as singers, magicians or other talented performers to bring extra sparkle to the South Wales Skylight festive party during the day time on 31 December.

The charity is also asking members of the public to donate any warm winter coats, to help its members stay warm this Christmas. 

Director of the Crisis South Wales Skylight, Ashella Lewis, said: “With the cost of living remaining high, we’re seeing more and more people being pushed into homelessness. 

“While Christmas can be a magical time, for many of the people we support here at our South Wales Skylight, the festive period can feel especially challenging and isolating. 

 “We’re so grateful to all our wonderful donors, supporters and volunteers who help us to deliver additional support and some festive cheer at this time of year, we simply couldn’t do all the things we do at Christmas time without their support. 

 “We know that Christmas is a very busy time, but we’re keen to hear from any entertainers who would like to join our amazing volunteering team and share their talents to help us make our festive party extra special.  

 “Some fun entertainment can really make a difference to our wellbeing – especially when feeling isolated and lonely, as we know many of our members do at this time of year.

“We’re also in need of donations of warm winter coats. Many of our members are facing extremely difficult situations, living in poor conditions without heating, or trying to stay warm and dry while outside in the bitterly cold weather. 

“Being able to offer people warm winter coats makes a huge difference, but it’s only through the generosity of our supporters that we are able to do so. 

“Please do reach out if you are able to help.”

For more information on volunteering opportunities at the South Wales Skylight, please visit  My Crisis Volunteering by 23rd December 2024. 

You can contact the Crisis South Wales Skylight on 01792 674900 or by email at southwales@crisis.org.uk. 

You can also donate to the national Charity’s Crisis at Christmas appeal here.