Calling all stylists, barbers & salon assistants: help crisis this christmas

  Crisis at Christmas 2015 runs from 23 – 30 December, with centres set to open across London, Birmingham, Newcastle, Coventry and Edinburgh. As well as warmth, companionship and hot meals, guests will receive healthcare and specialist advice on housing, work and benefits. The salon service is always popular, with the team of volunteers washing, cutting and blow-drying guests’ hair to help them look and feel their best as they head into the New Year. Salon volunteers don’t always need professional qualifications, just enthusiasm and a desire to help guests enjoy their Christmas. Crisis at Christmas centres are run by thousands of volunteers from all walks of life, with registration now open at crisis.org.uk/volunteer. Karen Scarborough is a Salon Service Organiser in London. She said: “I have been a volunteer for the Hair and Nail Salon for fourteen years now. Whilst I am not a hairdresser, I know how much better we all feel when we have been to have our hair done. This service is literally about hands on contact with the nail bar and helping to raise our guests’ self-esteem by having their hair done.” Homelessness has increased markedly in recent years, with rough sleeping rising by 55% since 2010 and by 14% in the last year alone. Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis, said: “Christmas can be a lonely, isolating time for those without a home to call their own. This year has seen an alarming rise in the number of rough sleepers in England, all of whom deserve the shelter, companionship and support many of us take for granted at Christmas. “That’s why the compassion and dedication of Crisis at Christmas volunteers is needed more than ever. By helping to make Christmas happen for homeless people, volunteers can not only bring some much-needed cheer to our guests but also set them up with the chance to have a more positive year ahead through the life-changing services at our Crisis Skylight centres.”