It’s all about joy and family at this time of year, but if you’re alone or homeless, Christmas Day sharpens the acute lack of belonging. It’s never been more important to support initiatives providing a warm welcome and a shared meal – and all the good that comes from that... Sue Quinn looks at the positive effects on vulnerable people and volunteers
For many of us, Christmas is a time of joy, abundance and celebration: of twinkling lights, feasting with loved ones and presents under the tree. But for anyone who’s lonely and vulnerable, living with poverty or homelessness, it can be isolated and full of sadness – or it would be without people dedicated to bringing a little sparkle to their day.
Charities, community organisations, churches and other groups around the UK, supported by armies of volunteers, will spend Christmas Day providing free hot meals, a warm place to eat, gifts and companionship to countless thousands of people in need. And it can transform their lives.
RAY OF LIGHT
Scott, from Ipswich, knows what a difference it can make having somewhere to go on Christmas Day. The first year he experienced homelessness occurred over the festive period and he felt so miserable he tried to sleep through the big day to block everything out.
Last year, however, he enjoyed lunch at Lyndon House, an accommodation service in Ipswich run by the Salvation Army. “We had a Christmas dinner, and the chaplain visited,” Scott says. “We had a quiz and games and the staff sat with us. I got to see my son, and we kept back some presents so he could open them with me. It was brilliant. In fact, it was the most enjoyable Christmas Day I’ve ever had, being around people I call my friends.” Scott’s dinner was one of 4,200 served by the Salvation Army last Christmas to people in need. “It could be a family living in one of our Lifehouses who haven’t got a functioning kitchen or the energy to heat their home on Christmas Day, or a single person who is homeless,” says Major Jo Moir.
The organisation expects demand to rise this year as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite. “It’s had a big impact on all the people we serve,” says Major Moir. “We’re expecting Christmas to be a big struggle for even more people this year.”
MORE THAN A HOT MEAL
Crisis, the homeless charity, serves free hot meals on Christmas Day at its centres across the country, as well its hotel accommodation in London.
“Crisis at Christmas began in the
