Crisis (charity)

Crisis (formerly Crisis at Christmas) is a charity based in England which aims to provide support to those who are homeless. Specifically, it is the national charity for single homeless people.

History
The organisation was started in 1971, when a small group of volunteers used a derelict church in London to house and feed homeless people during the Christmas week.

Publicity generated by the award-winning documentary Underneath the Arches on BBC Radio London in 1977 boosted funds and brought more volunteers to the charity. The programme featured London’s homeless people who told their own moving stories about being homeless and sleeping rough.

The project has grown in size since then; in 2004, the Millennium Dome was used as the main centre during the Christmas period, in conjunction with other London-based venues. The annual Christmas event, now known as Open Christmas, also offers other services to the homeless, including dental care, medical assistance, and advice on securing accommodation.

'Pudstock'
As part of their Christmas campaign, they launched their annual Crisis Pud campaign in 2006 - which gives donors the opportunity to buy a christmas pudding for £20, this could give a homeless person Christmas dinner 'plus all the trimmings' at their special centres for homeless people at Christmas. And 'all the trimmings' isn't just sprouts and gravy but also the opportunity to see a doctor, dentist, have a hair cut, see a counsellor and even access learning and training opportunities to help them take control of their lives in the long-term.

In a seasonal twist on tradition, 100 'lucky sixpences' have been placed at random inside Crisis Puds - and those fortunate enough to find one could win a range of prizes including tickets to Pudstock ; an intimate, 'money can't buy' acoustic gig with Supergrass, Dirty Pretty Things, Graham Coxon, Ed Harcourt, Athlete and Pearl Lowe.

The only chance of bagging a pair is by finding a 'lucky sixpence' inside the Crisis Puds, or by taking part in the online lucky sixpence game.

'Weapons of Mass Instruction' Campaign
This current campaign urges the Government to develop a strategy that addresses the specific needs of homeless people who are currently being failed by the adult education system. A recent report from the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee, 'Skills for Life: Improving adult literacy and numeracy', showed that vulnerable and socially excluded people are not accessing the mainstream learning and skills provision that is currently being funded by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and Learning and Skills Councils. 'Weapons of Mass Instruction' is a response to the Skills for Life programme and its aspiration to move 80% of people into employment. Crisis argues that for homeless people to have any real chance of entering education and getting a job they need to be provided with opportunities to learn independent living skills, such as sustaining a tenancy or managing addictions. 'Weapons of Mass Instruction' calls on the Government to commit to the objective of all homeless people being able to access a network of high quality learning opportunity. This is seen as vital in assisting the transition to independence, re-integration into society and improved employability.

'Crisis Skylight'
Crisis Skylight is a centre where homeless people take part in free practical and creative workshops. Topics of study range from bicycle repair led by Adam Rider of Perlie Rides to Banking by Alice Brennan of SAFE. They have opportunities to build on existing skills or develop new ones, discover and grow talents and abilities, learn from one another and meet new people. Activities are open to all and encourage homeless people to integrate with the general public. The workshops act as a springboard for all those involved including the tutors, many of whom, beginning their relationship with Crisis as members rather than staff.