Christmas is universally understood to be the most wonderful time of the year, celebrated
with those in the community, family and friends. Despite this, for those experiencing
homelessness, Christmas instead becomes a time of loneliness, hardship and struggle.
Statistics
It is estimated that approximately 354,000 people are homeless during the festive period. On
that basis, in the UK, one in every 82 people is considered to be homeless. This is a figure
which has surged in more than 14% in the last year alone. Included within these statistics is
161,500 children, who will spend Christmas without the warmth of a home or a hot meal.
In addition, there are fewer support services available, with the majority of foodbanks and
homeless shelters closing at Christmas. It also appears to be the case that there are less
services accessible for homeless women in the UK.
The Effects
In a recent survey undertaken with those people experiencing homelessness in the UK, it has
been universally outlined that Christmas is not a time of joy and happiness, but rather the
most stressful and depressing time. Most people informed that they did not like Christmas,
not least due to the conditions that they usually experience. Research has also revealed that
homeless people struggle with being alone at Christmas, without their friends and family.

In speaking with a Case Worker, Georgie, at The Bridge Homelessness to Hope | Leicester |
UK, it was clear that those experiencing homelessness during the festive period also
experience feelings of stress and loneliness. Further, Georgie explained how those working at
the shelters also feel the effects of witnessing homelessness and the struggles of getting
people to engage with the services that are available to them. Support workers across the
country are working hard over Christmas to ensure that, they create a warm and safe
environment of support and generosity, to alleviate those feelings of upset and being alone,
and offering counselling support. This enables an outlet for people under hardship to
communicate and discuss their emotions, too.
The Services Available
The services available to aid with homelessness focus on making a warn and safe
environment for anyone who walks into their centres. Whilst globally, people enjoy some
downtime at Christmas, shelters such as The Bridge Homelessness to Hope | Leicester | UK
allow those sleeping rough to relax and enjoy the festivities in a community like atmosphere.

Across the U.K., many services offer free hot meal options to allow people to get a Christmas
meal. During the festive period, the NHS mental health team work hard to ensure that people
have the support they need, considering he effects of homelessness are understood to have a
negative impact on their mental health. Whilst applications for housing pause, shelters allow
for the homeless community to relax for a while to celebrate with those who are also
homeless or who offer support along side them.

How to Help:
You can donate to or volunteer at various homeless charities across the U.K. this Christmas,
to contribute towards a safe and joyous environment throughout the festive period.
Christmas is a time of generosity, gift giving and celebration for all. Whether donating,
volunteering or offering gifts of socks, hats, clothes or building a Christmas stocking at
Christmas, you’ll be making a real difference to someone struggling with the hardships of
sleeping rough and the uncertainty of the future.
Donating to The Bridge
This year, The Bridge have some activities open for all guests that wish to join them. Their
cook, Jen, will be putting on a Christmas buffet for all of their guests, to include crackets and
puddings! The Bridge has also provided winter necessities such as hats and scarves, gloves
and socks. In addition, so that Christmas can be a festive period of enjoyment and happiness
irrespective of circumstances, The Bridge have various activities available and have created
an environment for the community to enjoy.

To find out more and donate to the wonderful festive work happening this Christmas at The
Bridge Homeless to Hope, please click on the link below!
You’re donating to The Bridge Homelessness to Hope