Crisis at Christmas doors open

Crisis has opened its Christmas centres welcoming homeless guests in London in from the cold for warmth, comfort and access to vital services.

Centres in London will be open for nine days from 22 – 30 December, offering good food, good company and feel-good services such as hairdressing and massage, entertainment and fun, along with crucial advice and health services.

Centres will also open for some of the Christmas period in Newcastle, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Coventry.

More than 4,000 homeless people are expected at centres over the holiday period.

All of the centres are run by volunteers. Around 13,000 people will take part, ranging from specialists such as dentists, doctors, podiatrists and hairdressers, to general volunteers who provide vital companionship and help homeless guests feel welcome.