Yahoo News Where to volunteer in London this Christmas
Homelessness, poverty and loneliness are among the most pressing issues that face too many Londoners at Christmas time – this year, like any other, people across the capital are signing up to do something about it.
There are dozens of opportunities all over the city to help those less privileged this Christmas, from working in soup kitchens and shelters to charity walks and beyond.
The Standard also has its own initiative, The Homeless Fund, offering readers the chance to donate to charity and win prizes – including a behind-the-scenes tour at the Harold Pinter theatre with Sir Ian McKellen, and a trip to the Maldives. Money raised will go to the London Homeless Collective, a coalition of 23 charities delivering direct services to those sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness.
Get involved across the capital this December and help brighten up people’s Christmases. An extensive list of ways to volunteer in London all year round can be found here. We’ve picked out a few places to get you started.
Shelter from the storm
This Islington-based community initiative has provided more than 15,000 beds for people in need since launching in 2007, with a commitment to helping people into accommodation and employment. With a cost of £18.90 per bed per night, Shelter From The Storm is heavily reliant on volunteers. Evening shifts run from 5-9pm and include preparing meals, cleaning, doing laundry and speaking to guests. Overnight shifts (8.30pm-6.30am) involves the safeguarding of guests and breakfast shifts (6.30am-8.30am) include cooking. Get in touch, organise a trial shift and get helping this Christmas.
Hackney Winter night shelter
This shelter relies on the work of more than 600 volunteers to stay open and help the homeless find a warm, dry place to sleep in Hackney. The organisation are keen to work with general volunteers pitching in to help, as well as people with specific skills, such as chiropody or hairdressing. This year they do have people signed up to cover general shifts, but others can of course still register their interest and donate.
The London Basket Brigade
There will be 1,250 baskets of food delivered to families in need this Christmas thanks to the London Basket Brigade – as well as donating money, Londoners can give their time to helping those less privileged through the work of the organisation this December. This year they’re especially in need of drivers to get the baskets to the families that need them most. Sign up to get involved this year.
Crisis at Christmas volunteering
As well as donating to Crisis at Christmas (£28.87 can reserve a place for someone at one of their day centres on December 25), the organisation is looking for all kinds of volunteers to help make the festive period special for people in need. From general support workers to trained medical professionals, cooks and musicians, everyone can get involved.
Salvation Army
Started more than 150 years ago in the capital, the Salvation Army is one of the charities doing the most work for homeless and disadvantaged people across the country. The institution looks for volunteers ranging from charity shop workers to youth club officers and drop-in centre workers. Until mid-December, the institution’s churches and centres are also running their Christmas Present Appeal. Find your nearest centre, donate gifts and help families enjoy a special day on December 25.
Shelter
320,000 people spend Christmas homeless across the country, and Shelter are one of the biggest charities doing work to help them. While the chance to join the charity’s Sleep Walk against Homelessness has now gone, there are plenty of chances to volunteer at Shelter's shops, take part in specific events in the New Year and donate here.
