How to continue supporting the homeless after Christmas

Christmas is over for another year. Even the Christmas leftovers that seem to last forever have finally come to an end. We begin to take down our Christmas trees and put away our Christmas decorations. But there is something that should stay out all year, and not just be brought out for Christmas… our charitable side.

During Christmas there are many campaigns for helping and supporting the homeless and they see a huge influx in volunteers, donations and support during this period.However, after the Christmas period this support significantly reduces despite the fact that the issue of homelessness hasn’t at all reduced. In fact, the number of people sleeping rough in England has risen each year since 2010 and this trend doesn’t seem to be coming to a halt.

The project leader from the Salvation Army’s Way Ahead Project speaks of the difference between the Christmas Period and the support received at other times of the year: “Thank you to everyone who gives at Christmas- it’s hugely appreciated. People who are homeless and the organisations like Salvation Army that support them need help all year round- please remember us in May”.

In fact, the number of people sleeping rough in England has risen each year since 2010 and this trend doesn’t seem to be coming to a halt.

Homelessness is an issue at all times of the year and we need to make a conscious effort to support the homeless after Christmas. It’s an issue for those in need of support far beyond November and December.

There are many amazing projects that support the homeless that are constantly in need of volunteers after Christmas. In Leamington Spa there are many opportunities to volunteer with a wide range of charities including Leamington Night Shelter and the Salvation Army Way Ahead Project which provide both food and shelter for the vulnerable and homeless.

It’s an issue for those in need of support far beyond November and December.

These charities are always in need of extra volunteers to help aid their mission. There are a number of volunteer roles to suit whatever you wish to do. Equally, the overall mission of many of the charities in Leamington Spa is preventative: many charities not only give support to those who are homeless but attempt to stop people getting into that position in the future or lapsing into it again.

Many charities in Leamington Spa provide mentoring support, giving one-on-one guidance on many issues including alcohol, drugs and family support. It is an amazing thing to get involved in and aids tackling the issue at its core.

These charities are always in need of extra volunteers to help aid their mission.

Although there are many opportunities to volunteer, and these are extremely flexible, there are other ways to help the homeless if you cannot find the time to volunteer with some of the projects mentioned. Homeless charities are always in need of donations, from food to clothing. These donations may seem insignificant to us but they make a huge difference.

Equally, although charities warn against giving money to beggars on the street, buying The Big Issue is a small way to aid those who are homeless. The Big Issue is an amazing project for those who are homeless and makes such a positive impact on getting many homeless people earning money so they can really change their lives.

These donations may seem insignificant to us but they make a huge difference.

Overall what is important to remember, whether it is Christmas or not, is that there are homeless and vulnerable people who need of our support. We shouldn’t just humanise them during the Christmas period when they are at the forefront of our minds.

Rather, whenever we see a homeless person on the street, even if you aren’t giving them any money, acknowledge their existence. Give them a smile or have a conversation with them – fight the stigma attached to homelessness. Those that are homeless are humans throughout the year and that’s what we really need to remember.