Crisis is appealing for donations and volunteers to help at its centre in Swansea, as people experiencing homelessness face increased hardship during the heavy rain. 

Staff at Crisis’s South Wales Skylight say many people who are staying in emergency accommodation, which they have to vacate during the day, have seen their clothes and belongings soaked through because of intense rain. 

Flooding is also having a severe impact on people who are sleeping rough with damage to clothes, shoes and blankets leaving people without anything to keep them warm.  

All of this is raising alarm for people’s health, as cold and damp conditions significantly increase the chances of developing hypothermia and serious illness.  

With Storm Claudia expected to cause further disruption, the charity is urgently calling for good-quality clothes, such as winter coats, socks and thermal joggers, to keep people warm and dry during the intense downpours and wintry weather. There is a particular need for small and medium-sized warm clothing. 

As the charity prepares for the festive period, it is also looking for volunteer entertainers to provide some respite for people experiencing homelessness. This includes singers and musicians for a special Christmas party on 23rd December.  

Crisis is also seeking volunteer hairdressers, barbers and wellbeing practitioners to sign up for its ‘Health and Wellbeing Day’ on 11th December, to help people relax and receive a pampering at a time when their self-confidence may be at an all-time low. 

Overall, the Skylight will be supporting around 360 people experiencing homelessness over the Christmas period with essentials, like food and toiletries; important health care checks, like eye appointments; and the chance to enjoy a festive meal and celebrations in safe and warm environment.  

Director of Crisis South Wales Skylight, Ashella Lewis, said: “With severe weather here in Swansea, people experiencing the hardship of homelessness are being placed in an even more challenging situation.  

“We’ve already seen people whose clothes and key possessions have been completely drenched. This is significantly harming people’s health and wellbeing, in addition to the stress that already comes from experiencing homelessness.  

“It means so much to be able to provide people with dry and warm clothes at this difficult time, but we desperately need more. We’re grateful to people and businesses who are able to donate good quality, warm and durable winter coats during the wet and cold weather.  

“To give people a chance to relax over the festive period, we’re also looking for volunteer entertainers for our Christmas party who can provide a bit of fun and entertainment to our guests during this stressful and isolating time. We all know what a good sing-song can do for our mental health, so please do reach out if you are able to help.” 

You can find out more and sign up to volunteer at the South Wales Skylight’s Health and Wellbeing Day from 10am – 3pm on 11th December here. 

You can find out more and sign up to volunteer at the Christmas Party on 23rd December from 1-2pm here. 

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

Donations can be dropped off on weekdays between 9am-12pm or 1pm-4pm at Crisis Skylight 163 St Helens Road, SA1 4DQ. This includes new or good-quality winter coats, socks and boots, which can be dropped off.  Crisis is looking for donations of toiletries namely shampoo, shower gel, deodorant and toothpaste, as well as non-perishable Christmas hamper items.  

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

ENDS 

Notes to Editors 

Crisis is the national charity for people facing homelessness across Wales, Scotland and England. We know that homelessness is not inevitable, and we know that together, we can end it.  

 We provide services directly to people experiencing homelessness, carry out research into the causes and consequences of homelessness, and campaign for the changes needed to end it. 

Our South Wales Skylight provides direct support to people at risk of or experiencing homelessness in the Swansea area. This includes help to find a stable home, support in accessing services and benefits and a range of well being and learning opportunities. 

More information on our work in Wales and on our South Wales Skylight is available here 

 You can contact the Crisis media team on 020 7426 3880, media@crisis.org.uk, or 07973 372587 (out of hours)