FOR so many of us, this past year has seen us spending more time at home than we ever have before.

During these difficult times we've learnt how much we depend on each other for connection, hope and support - and how having somewhere safe to call home can be lifesaving.

While this Christmas will be unlike no other, most can look forward to some contact with loved ones, the exchanging of gifts and a home cooked Christmas dinner.

But one in four people who are homeless will spend Christmas alone.

This year there will be over 200,000 families and individuals across England facing the worst forms of homelessness.

No one should be forced to live, or spend Christmas, shivering on the streets, sofa surfing with strangers or in a hostel with nowhere to call home and no-one to be with.

That’s why, outside of our yearround services, Crisis supports thousands of people who would otherwise be homeless at one of the most challenging times of the year.

While the pandemic means we’re having to do things differently, our frontline teams across the country will be working harder than ever to make sure people receive nutritious meals and festive treats, Christmas games and wellbeing packs, friendship and support from our volunteer befrienders, as well as somewhere safe to stay.

But we need your help.

To ensure we can be there for everyone who needs us, we’re asking members of the public to support our work this Christmas and year-round.

To find out more or to donate to Crisis this Christmas please visit www.crisis.org.uk/support

Jon Sparkes, chief executive, Crisis