The path out of homelessness is tough to walk alone. This Sunday, the 97th BBC Radio 4 Christmas Appeal with St Martin’s Charity will be broadcast across the UK as we ask listeners to walk with someone on their journey towards a safe place to call home.
For many, St Martin’s annual Christmas Appeal is as familiar as mince pies and crackers. Over its long history, millions of pounds have been raised, and thousands have regularly tuned in to listen to the broadcasts by the Vicar of St Martin’s. Its continued presence on the airwaves has made it a much-loved tradition and a favourite among many.
Money raised by the Appeal will go to people experiencing homelessness, support frontline workers, and fund organisations working to end and prevent homelessness.
Jo, who benefited from a grant from St Martin’s Charity earlier this year, said:
‘I lost my business due to COVID, then eventually lost my house and ended up sleeping in my car. It was winter time, so it was very cold. My living circumstances were really basically just living out of the bag, driving between friends and family members, trying desperately to find work. The financial help I had for securing the flat was down to the Vicar’s Relief Fund. There is no way I would be here now without that. The day I moved in I felt pure relief. It’s mine. It’s my home. I’m safe’.
Jo is just one of the thousands of people we support each year. You can listen to this year’s Appeal either on BBC Sounds or on Radio 4’s on Sunday 3 December at 07:55, 21:26, and Thursday 7 December at 15:27.
To find out more, go to www.smitfc.org/bbc-radio-4-christmas-appeal.
Thank you.
Tim Bissett
St Martin’s Charity
