Crisis at Christmas is a charity appeal that helps us provide warm meals, shelter, support and companionship at Christmas to those experiencing homelessness. More than that, the impact of Crisis at Christmas lasts long after Christmas as guests are introduced to Crisis’ year-round services.
Over the years, we have adapted our Christmas services based on evidence of what works to provide more intensive support to people experiencing the most extreme and isolating form of homelessness – those rough sleeping – to help them take the first steps out of homelessness.
This year, we’re continuing to support people experiencing the worst forms of homelessness. In London, our day centres offer an open door for guests to year-round support, helping people take the first steps towards leaving homelessness behind.
With the support of our partners and volunteers, we’ll provide essential healthcare services including GP and nurse appointments, eye and ear tests, physiotherapy and foot care. Our Crisis at Christmas centres will also bring a touch of joy and celebration, with activities, entertainment and community to help guests feel truly valued and part of something special.
In addition, we’ll be providing people most in need with their own hotel room, giving them vital time to get dedicated advice and support from our lead workers.
Across England, Scotland and Wales, we’ll deliver specialist support and companionship to people experiencing homelessness. Working side by side with partners and volunteers, we’ll reach people where they are with food, essentials and winter packs, including food vouchers and toiletries. Together, we’ll provide warmth, support and human connection at a time when it matters most.
Over Christmas 2025, we helped over 6,000 people through our Skylight centres across Britain and in our day centres and hotels in London.
This was made possible by an incredible team of over 3,500 volunteers, who came together to provide everything from health and wellbeing advice, to hairdressing, to conversation and a listening ear, to support finding a place to stay - when Crisis members and guests needed it most.
We provided hotel accommodation to more than 390 people, who would otherwise have been sleeping rough in London. We delivered over 775 health appointments nationwide, including GP and nurse appointments, eye health services, dentistry, podiatry and physiotherapy.
“The day I went to the hotel, the room was cosy. I could properly sleep,” says Eddie. “I was able to be with myself and view the things in a better light.”
Our London hotels and day centres organised trips for our Christmas guests, with 32 outings in total. Across the rest of England, as well as in Scotland and Wales, we provided nearly 1,400 Christmas meals.
For many, our support doesn't end here. We work with people long after Christmas to help them to rebuild their lives and leave homelessness behind for good.
Our Crisis at Christmas services take place in London, with day centres and hotel provision, alongside services in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Merseyside, Newcastle, Oxford and South Wales.
At Crisis, we provide the personalised support people need to leave homelessness behind for good. Everyone who comes to us is treated as an individual, with dignity, respect and compassion. The support we offer is tailored to each person's circumstances, helping them build a more stable future. Our Christmas services complement our year-round work, creating opportunities for people to access the advice and support they need to move on from homelessness for good.
