Over this past Christmas staff and companions of Emmaus SLC staff volunteered for Crisis at Christmas.
Crisis at Christmas is an annual event organised by the homeless charity Crisis. The purpose is to allow rough sleepers, and others affected by homelessness to be welcomed into a warm and caring environment where they can be offered support and resources such as advice with housing, immigrations and benefits advice, support with substance misuse, healthcare, employment, training, and access to mental health services. There are a mix of day and residential centres for people to access but all have support including hot meals and company.
We spoke to our CEO, James Hayes, regarding his work with Crisis at Christmas, and what their service means to Emmaus SLC. This year, James was the volunteer Team Leader for the Crisis hotel in Hyde Park for the afternoon shifts. Along with James, Emmaus was also represented by key members of Emmaus staff, Companions, and volunteers. It was a brilliant opportunity for our companions to give back to the homeless sector whilst also being the best representatives of Emmaus, our values and community. Emmaus allows staff and companions to have 2 days volunteering per year, which some used for Crisis at Christmas this year.
We started by asking how long he had been involved:
“I have been volunteering for Crisis at Christmas (C@C) every year for 21 years. My association with Crisis at Christmas is longer than my association with Emmaus.”.
“In many ways C@C was the steppingstone for me getting involved with the homeless sector. One thing about C@C is that is it something unique that no other organisation comes close to offering. What it offers to homeless people is totally different to any other service”.
For many people, C@C is one of their first steps out of homelessness. It is a great environment for rough sleepers to engage with various services, outreach workers and more, who will help them explore their options out of homelessness.
Associating with C@C gives Emmaus a great opportunity to meet potential new companions. Emmaus works alongside C@C as it is an opportunity to speak with our demographic directly about Emmaus’ services and how they may appeal to those who want to work and live in a supportive Community.
“C@C allows Emmaus to get the message of what we offer to support workers, outreach workers and managers. Even if they have a client who might not to be ready now, that doesn’t mean they won’t be suitable later on who they could connect with us. We have recruited staff, companions, volunteers and trustees from networking at Crisis at Christmas. It is an organisation which brings so many diverse people together”.
Emmaus has hosted two open days in our Knights Hill community so Crisis at Christmas clients can have a look around and get a feel for our Community.
James concluded:
“Both Crisis at Christmas and Emmaus are two innovative and unique organisation that offer things to homeless people which you cannot find anywhere else. The solidarity Emmaus offers Crisis at Christmas is an absolute pleasure. It is a delight to work with all the volunteers and Crisis staff who are all wonderful and supportive. We feel like we have a really close network of people trying to help others move out of homelessness”.
Find out more about Crisis at Christmas here.