It has been just over a week since Crisis at Christmas closed its doors until December. For many years staff, Companions, and trustees of Emmaus SLC have been volunteering to help Crisis at Christmas run its service. We spoke to two Companions to discover more about their time volunteering with Crisis at Christmas experience.
Buddy was volunteering for his second year and completed four shifts in Hyde Park.
“I was a guest a few years ago and joined Emmaus after it finished. I enjoyed the two weeks I spent in Crisis and wanted to help others who had gone through what I had. Last year meals were served to guests in their rooms so it was often quite quiet. This year meals were being served in the dining areas and guests were able to come down and be more sociable. I liked being able to speak more to guests and listen to what they wanted to talk about. I want to volunteer again and try different shifts to see what they are like. I have experienced the role at Hyde Park and would like to volunteer at one of the other hotels as well”.
Jan has been taking part in his sixth year of volunteering at Crisis at Christmas, he was unable to do so when Covid restrictions were in place and immediately signed up as soon as he could.
Learn more about Crisis at Christmas here.