Helping homeless voted top Christmas volunteering activity

People who want to make a difference at Christmas should head down to their nearest homeless shelter to lend a hand, according to a new survey.

The charity Volunteering England questioned more than 500 people to discover which type of charitable Christmas activity would be most useful to the third sector as a whole.

Helping at a homeless hostel or community centre came top with 39% of the vote, while manning a helpline, organising a fundraising event and selling cards for good causes were considered less of a priority.

However, more than a third (37%) of respondents said it was more important to commit to volunteering activities throughout the year.

Volunteering England's acting chief executive Justin Davis Smith said: "Christmas is a time when many people think of helping others, and volunteering with the homeless can be a wonderful way of helping out at a time of increased need.

"Another great Christmas gift to your community would be to look into volunteering all year round, as many projects need support on an ongoing basis."

Londoner Karen Scarborough is now volunteering for the sixth year in a row at the Open Christmas events, which are organised by homelessness charity Crisis and held across the capital from December 23 to 30.

The Open Christmas events provide companionship and hot meals for many homeless and vulnerably housed people as well as services like housing and benefits advice, health checks and training and further education opportunities.

Ms Scarborough said: "I started as a general volunteer and I now organise the eight hairdressing centres. It's easy to take for granted how good it feels to have your hair washed and styled, and it's great to be able to offer that to our guests who are homeless or on limited income."

She continued: "Volunteering at Christmas inspired me to give something back during the year as well, so I volunteered on reception at the Crisis Skylight Centre one day a week.

"I really believe in the work Crisis does, and I'd recommend anyone thinking of volunteering to think of what you really feel strongly about, then just do it. Charities need volunteers all year round so just be yourself and give it a go."

Communications manager of Crisis Jane Eggleton added: "Volunteers are the lifeblood of Crisis Open Christmas and without them the event would not be the success that it is.

"Over 5,000 general volunteers are needed to run the centres and thousands more specialist volunteers are also needed in areas as diverse as welfare and benefits advice, hairdressing, dentistry, catering and drugs and alcohol prevention.

"It's a hugely rewarding experience which is why many of our volunteers come back year on year."

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