National homelessness charity Crisis is making an urgent appeal for volunteers to provide support in a wide range of roles in Newcastle throughout the Christmas period.
This winter, the charity will be providing support in Newcastle to those who would be sleeping rough. This is in addition to Crisis’ other services including offering health and wellbeing checks, giving out food and toiletries, providing companionship and an activities programme.
These services are only available due to the combined effort of thousands of volunteers that give up their time in order to make a difference to people's lives.
The charity says that in particular, it is greatly in need of specialist volunteers for Wellbeing Day on December 12. This day helps give people access to various health and wellbeing services and allows them to feel valued as a person. The roles required include hairdressers, barbers, dentists, nail technicians and wellbeing practitioners.
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If you are qualified in one of these fields and can offer your time this Christmas, doing so could make a big difference to people who are homeless and often struggle to access these services.
Michael Phillips, head of volunteering at Crisis, said: "Crisis at Christmas began in the 1970s because a group of dedicated volunteers saw the reality of life on the streets and decided it was intolerable. They provided people with much-needed respite from the trauma and indignity of homelessness at Christmas, and the service has been going ever since.
"It’s a mammoth, unique operation that has become a special fixture of the festive season – but none of it would be possible without our wonderful volunteers. Behind every life-changing moment for our guests at Christmas are our volunteers, each and every one committed to ending homelessness. I’d urge anyone who is interested in being part of our Crisis at Christmas community to get in touch."
Kirsty Nelson, who is a current Crisis volunteer and hairdresser is someone who has felt the benefits of giving up her time to support the less fortunate.
"I've volunteered a few times now and always get such a positive response from everyone," she said. "I'm just doing my everyday job that I love, and all the attendees are so appreciative of your time."
"I enjoy listening and helping where I can, and making someone feel happier and more confident is all you want isn't it?"
"Crisis isn't initially about what you expect, or who you think you're helping, it's a whole umbrella of individuals that need support. I'll always support the wellbeing days as I know how important they are to our guests."
To volunteer with Crisis this Christmas register now at crisis.org.uk/get-involved
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