Lifestyle
Celebrity narrated ‘Twelve Nights’ film shows reality of homelessness at Christmas
Celebrities including Chris Martin, Dina Asher-Smith, Ellie Goulding, Emma Thompson, Nihal Arthanayake and Will Poulter, have narrated a new short film, Twelve Nights, from national homelessness charity Crisis, to raise awareness of the impact of homelessness this Christmas.
“Once again, Christmas is fast approaching and still, there are thousands of people across Great Britain experiencing homelessness. I’m incredibly passionate about Crisis’ work and this film shows us the power of the charity’s support in helping people on their journey out of homelessness. I’m proud to be part of the Crisis family and urge anyone who can to join me in supporting Crisis this year and help end homelessness for good.” – Singer, songwriter and Crisis Ambassador, Ellie Goulding
The film flips the well-known ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ song on its head from celebrating festive gift-giving to highlighting the real and devastating experiences of people facing homelessness at Christmas and how Crisis can help.
The film follows six characters’ journeys from the dangers of being stuck in the worst forms of homelessness – including being forced to sleep on our streets, sleeping on sofas or on public transport – to taking their first steps out of homelessness with the support of Crisis. After coming to Crisis, the characters are shown accessing vital services, being provided with companionship and being connected to Crisis’ year-round support to help them out of homelessness and leave it behind for good – all of which is available at Crisis’ Christmas services.
“As we once again prepare to open our Christmas services, this film not only lays bare the brutal realities that people experiencing homelessness face, but also highlights the true value of Crisis and its services in helping people out of homelessness. No one should have to spend Christmas homeless and alone, and we’ll once again be doing all we can to support people over the festive period and introduce them to what we can offer all year round too.
“Fifty years on since we first opened our Christmas services, Crisis is still needed – please support Crisis this year and give someone a Crisis Christmas and help more people leave homelessness behind for good.” – Jon Sparkes, chief executive at Crisis
The film is released as Crisis gears up to its 50th year of providing vital Christmas services for people experiencing homelessness at one of the toughest times of the year. Over the Christmas period, the charity will open hotels and centres across the capital, as well as a whole range of services across its 11 Skylight centres, to provide a place to stay, essential food and toiletries, advice on housing, employment and benefits as well as friendship and support.
50 years on since the very first Crisis at Christmas, Crisis is still needed. This year, Crisis is calling on the public to give the gift of a Crisis Christmas to someone experiencing homelessness by donating £29.06.
“I’m always saddened to see people freezing on our streets and to hear of people stuck in temporary accommodation with nowhere to call home. It often comes up in the conversations I have with people, and from speaking to Crisis about the support they provide, loneliness is often one of the most devastating things about sleeping rough and that even something as simple as having a chat can make all the difference – especially if you can point them to support available.” – Broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake
