The charity’s outreach teams in Swansea, Bridgend and Cardiff will be out on the streets Christmas Day, visiting people sleeping rough, and its 24-hour supported hostels across Wales will provide shelter, plus resident festive buffets, parties and dinners.
As many people in temporary housing prepare to spend Christmas in a place unfamiliar to them, there are hundreds of heroes working to create warmth and safety for them during the festive season.
“I’d rather be here on Christmas Day to be helpful. It can be a lonely time of year, so people need extra support to make it as good as possible.
I hope it’s as peaceful it can be, we’re preparing a nice Christmas dinner, a few fun games and hopefully everyone will be getting along – fingers crossed! I start my shift at 7 in the morning and finish at 7 at night.
I used to work in the building industry but my mum worked for The Wallich for 20 years. I’ve always wanted to do this kind of work but wasn’t in a position to. I’ve been sober 7 months and now is the right time – but you can’t help someone until you helped yourself.”
Noah will be working at a 29-bed homelessness hostel run by The Wallich. It houses people from across Cardiff, supporting their wellbeing and helping them to find a more permanent home.
“I’m working Christmas Day this year to be available to support our wonderful residents, at a time of year that can be difficult for many.
I love working for The Wallich. We as staff have the privilege of seeing the full spectrum of emotions and characteristics of our residents and be there to support them.
I will be working 12pm-8pm Christmas Day and activity plans will be worked out soon – There will be Christmas dinner, though!”
Brett will be covering The Wallich’s Swansea temporary housing over the Christmas period. Support Workers help keep people safe and work with people as individuals – setting goals and helping them navigate how to live independently in the future.
There are more than 10,000 people in Wales who currently don’t have a permanent home. The Wallich provides services which help get people off the streets, keep people off the streets and create opportunities to end homelessness.