Homelessness charity Crisis calls for volunteers at Christmas centres

National charity Crisis is calling on nurses and other healthcare professionals to help homeless people at temporary centres this Christmas. 

Health care will be provided to homeless people at centres in London, Birmingham, Newcastle, Coventry and Edinburgh from December 23 to 30. 

The charity is also looking for doctors, dentists, opticians, podiatrists and pharmacists. 

Guests at the centres receive hot meals and specialist advice on housing, work and benefits alongside the healthcare service, which the charity says is one of the most popular services it offers. 

Last year, 745 homeless people received health advice, assessments and treatments. 

Nurse and RCN public health forum chair Jason Warriner, who has helped to run the healthcare service in one of the centres, said he welcomed the chance to broaden his knowledge by volunteering.

He added: ‘I have gained an understanding and insight into homelessness and the issues associated with it.

'The knowledge and skills I have gained are now used in my everyday practice.’

Crisis chief executive Jon Sparkes said this year has seen an ‘alarming rise’ in the number of rough sleepers in England and volunteers can bring them ‘much-needed cheer’ at Christmas. 

The charity also needs healthcare receptionists to help run mobile clinics and people with experience of dependency issues. 

To register to volunteer, click here.