Today marks the launch of the St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity’s Christmas Appeal with BBC Radio 4.
This year is the 99th Christmas Appeal and is focussed on the question – ‘Will you be at home for Christmas?’. For many, Christmas means warmth and friendship, hope and safety, family and belonging. But there isn’t much to celebrate if you’re sleeping rough, in temporary accommodation, or constantly moving from place to place. For people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness, Christmas can make feelings of anxiety, fear and isolation so much worse.
This year we will hear from Gary in North Shields, who received an emergency grant from us after his relationship broke down and he was forced to stay in temporary accommodation. His new home has allowed him to be close to his children while recovering from grief and alcohol addiction. We also feature Devon, who received a cash transfer through our Personal Grants project, which tests the impact of unconditional grants as a long-term solution to homelessness. And we will hear from Mensah, who was supported by The Connection at St Martin’s into a home and a full-time job.
Tune in on BBC Radio 4:
The Christmas Appeal:
December 7, 7:54am – 7:57am
December 7, 9:26pm – 9:29pm
December 11, 3:27pm – 3:30pm
Making a Difference:
December 7, 9:45am – 9:59am
December 7, 7:45pm – 7:59pm
December 12, 3:45pm – 3:49pm
The church and congregation of St Martin’s has always been generous with its time, money and compassion to support the Charity and those experiencing homelessness. If you are able to help us again, we would be truly thankful. You can donate at smitfc.org, by calling 0800 082 82 84 or by sending a cheque to Freepost St Martin’s Christmas Appeal.
Thank you.
Duncan Shrubsole
CEO, St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity