Ellie Goulding, Gaby Roslin and Dr Amos Ogunkoya help open Crisis’ services for people facing homelessness this Christmas

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• Singer-songwriter & Crisis ambassador Ellie Goulding, TV & Radio Presenter Gaby Roslin and The Traitors star Dr Amos Ogunkoya help open Crisis at Christmas services, including three hotels, for people experiencing homelessness.
• Through their services Crisis will be supporting 5,500 people across Britain this Christmas to start their life out of homelessness.

Today (Tuesday 23 December), singer-songwriter & Crisis ambassador Ellie Goulding, TV & radio presenter Gaby Roslin and The Traitors star Dr Amos Ogunkoya helped open Crisis’ Christmas services that will provide vital support for people experiencing homelessness this festive season.

Across the capital, Crisis will be offering safe accommodation, care and advice, as well as access to vital health and wellbeing services, through their Christmas hotels and day centres.

This support comes after new research from Crisis revealed that almost 300,000 families and individuals across England are now experiencing the worst forms of homelessness. The number of people having to sleep rough has also risen by around 150% since 2020, with more than 15,000 people forced to sleep on the streets last year alone. 

The celebrity volunteers have today teamed up with Crisis staff and volunteers to provide kindness and companionship to people who would otherwise be sleeping rough on the streets of London. Together, they have been welcoming and chatting with guests and serving hot drinks and food.

This Christmas, Crisis will be supporting 5,500 people across Britain through their nine Skylight centres by providing warmth, safety and vital healthcare at one of the toughest times of year. Everyone helped by Crisis at Christmas gets access to ongoing advice and support so they can move forward and start their life out of homelessness.

Ellie Goulding, Singer-songwriter and Crisis Ambassador said: “This Christmas is my tenth year supporting Crisis, and every year has been an incredible privilege. I have seen firsthand the kindness and compassion the team of staff and volunteers give to every single person they meet. That first day someone comes to Crisis can change everything - from getting them out of the cold, to providing hairdressing and vital healthcare. With your help, we can continue these acts of kindness and support people as they begin their journey out of homelessness.”

Gaby Roslin, TV & Radio Presenter and Crisis Supporter said: “It has been a real pleasure supporting Crisis once again as they provide care to people experiencing homelessness. I have really enjoyed meeting the guests today and listening to their stories. The vital services Crisis provides, from housing and healthcare to training and advice, give people dignity and hope for the future. This Christmas, your support can help transform lives and together we can work to end homelessness for good.”

Dr Amos Ogunkoya, GP & Star of The Traitors and Crisis Supporter, said: “Having treated people experiencing homelessness through a dedicated clinic, I’ve seen how tough life on the streets can be and the physical toll it can take. This is why Crisis’ healthcare services are so vital, providing treatment for things like skin conditions, chest infections and long-term illnesses like diabetes.

“This level of care for everyone who comes through their doors wouldn’t be possible without incredible volunteers. Your support this Christmas could help make a difference to someone’s health, wellbeing and confidence as they start their life out of homelessness.”

Matt Downie, Chief Executive at Crisis, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Gaby, Amos and Ellie for volunteering with us today, welcoming our guests and helping shine a light on homelessness at one of the toughest times of the year.

“The festive season is meant to be a time for home comforts and sharing moments with the people we love most. Yet for so many people experiencing homelessness this is far from the reality. Thousands of people across Britain will need support after being pushed into homelessness this winter - and this simply shouldn’t be happening.

“With the help of our dedicated volunteers and the generosity of the public’s support, our Christmas services can provide everything from hot meals to health and wellbeing services and support finding a place to stay. This will help ensure someone’s first day at Crisis can be the start of their life out of homelessness.”