Singer and songwriter Ellie Goulding, broadcaster Gaby Roslin, and GP and reality TV star Dr Amos Ogunkoya have joined charity Crisis to help open its Christmas services for people experiencing homelessness across London and the UK.
The three well-known supporters volunteered alongside Crisis staff and hundreds of volunteers to welcome guests, serve hot food and drinks, and offer companionship to people who would otherwise be sleeping rough during the festive season.
Crisis Provides Lifeline Support This Christmas
Throughout the Christmas period, Crisis is offering safe accommodation, day centres, healthcare, and housing advice through its network of Christmas hotels and Skylight centres. These services are designed to give people warmth, dignity, and essential support at one of the most dangerous times of the year for those without a home.
This winter, Crisis expects to support around 5,500 people across Britain, ensuring they are not left alone or exposed to freezing conditions. Importantly, everyone who receives help at Christmas is also offered long-term support, including housing advice, mental health services, employment guidance, and access to healthcare, to help them move out of homelessness permanently.
Homelessness in England Continues to Rise
The charity’s work comes amid alarming new figures. According to recent research by Crisis, nearly 300,000 people and families in England are now experiencing the most severe forms of homelessness. Rough sleeping has increased by around 150% since 2020, with more than 15,000 people forced to sleep on the streets last year.
Cold weather significantly increases health risks for people without shelter, including hypothermia, respiratory illnesses, and untreated long-term conditions.
Celebrities Volunteer on the Front Line
Ellie Goulding, who has been a Crisis ambassador for a decade, said spending time with guests at Christmas is always deeply moving. She highlighted how small acts of kindness — from a warm welcome to access to healthcare — can become life-changing moments for people seeking help.
Gaby Roslin said meeting guests and hearing their stories reinforced the importance of Crisis’ work. She praised the charity for providing services that restore dignity and hope, particularly during a season that can be isolating for people without stable housing.
Dr Amos Ogunkoya, who works as a GP, emphasised the importance of Crisis’ medical services. He explained that people experiencing homelessness often suffer from untreated conditions such as infections, diabetes, and skin problems, and that access to healthcare can be life-saving.
Volunteers and Public Support Make Services Possible
Crisis’ Christmas services rely heavily on volunteers and public donations. Medical professionals, support workers, and trained volunteers come together to deliver meals, healthcare, and advice in a safe and welcoming environment.
Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, thanked the celebrity volunteers and highlighted the growing need for support. He said that while Christmas is traditionally a time for comfort and family, thousands of people across the UK face hardship and uncertainty instead.
He added that Crisis’ goal is not just to provide short-term relief, but to ensure that someone’s first visit to Crisis can be the first step toward a stable home and a better future.
How the Public Can Help
Crisis is encouraging people to support its work by donating, fundraising, or volunteering. Public support helps ensure that vital services remain available not only at Christmas, but all year round.
As homelessness continues to rise, initiatives like Crisis’ Christmas services play a critical role in protecting lives, restoring dignity, and offering real pathways out of homelessness.
