A CHARITY working in and around Scotland’s capital has begun work on its Christmas hot food delivery service for people experiencing homelessness as demand for support grows.
Crisis provides frontline support to people experiencing homelessness in Edinburgh and the Lothians all year round but also runs a special programme of support at this time of year, which can be particularly difficult for people who have been forced from their homes.
Over the past year, Crisis reported a 24% increase in demand for its services in Edinburgh and the Lothians, amid growing pressure on homelessness services across Scotland.
Rising demand over the past year saw growing numbers of councils declaring states of housing emergency, with the Scottish Government following suit in June.
This year, staff at Crisis Skylight Edinburgh will be delivering hot meals to people in and around the city, as well as providing wellbeing packs and running social activities to help people take their first steps out of homelessness.
Its team of volunteer drivers will deliver more than 500 three-course meals to the people the charity supports over Christmas Day and Boxing Day, while Crisis will also host an in-person meal on Christmas Day.
More than 100 volunteers will also help Crisis deliver a programme of Christmas support around Edinburgh, including community events, festive trips and days out, and wellbeing packs containing gifts and essential items.
Crisis Skylight Edinburgh director, Mark Kennedy, said: “Growing pressure on household finances have seen more and more people across Scotland pushed closer to homelessness over the last year.
“In that context, action to support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness is vital.
“We know from feedback from the people we work with how much they value the programme of support we provide, whether it’s hot food deliveries, social activities or support with health and wellbeing.
“Crisis has been running support for people experiencing homelessness over Christmas for half a century, but we don’t want to be here delivering our Christmas services in another 50 years.
“We know it’s within our reach to end homelessness altogether, but until that time comes, we’ll still be here at Christmas and all year-round helping people directly out of homelessness and campaigning for the social changes needed to make sure everyone has a safe, secure place to call home.”
Crisis Skylight Edinburgh is one of nine centres across the UK which provides services and support to thousands of people experiencing homelessness every year to help them leave it behind for good.
Over the past year, more than 10,300 people have accessed Crisis’ services, which represents a 12% increase on the previous year.
To make a donation, visit www.crisis.org.uk/support
