Crisis at Christmas is preparing to support over 6,000 people experiencing homelessness with the help of Ambika Mod, Tom Grennan, Bessie Carter, Golda Rosheuvel, Phil Dunster and Amar Chadha-Patel.

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.”

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Notes to Editor

Photo 1 – Ambika Mod

Photo 2 (L-R) – Bessie Carter, Tom Grennan, Phil Dunster, Golda Rosheuvel