Homelessness is dangerous, debilitating, and emotionally devastating. But in Britain in 2023 it is on the rise. There are over 3,000 people sleeping rough on the streets of England. As the hardest part of winter approaches, some won't survive.

In England's major cities this problem is now particularly pronounced. Rough sleepers face daily threats of violence, emotional or sexual abuse, and often experience horrific physical and psychological problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, and sleep deprivation.

This year I'm working Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in two temporary accommodation units provided by the charity Crisis, which works to end homelessness all over the UK.

We believe rough sleeping is a political choice imposed on the most vulnerable by an uncaring system. When Covid-19 hit, there was plenty of talk about getting those experiencing homelessness off the streets. Today, such folk have reverted to feeling as though, once more, they matter not a jot.

Please support me as I give back to those who deserve a chance. For Lee, Scott, Sarah, and all the people sleeping rough I've spoken to in 2023.