The Christmas period can be a challenging time even under normal circumstances, but it can be one of the most difficult times of the year for the homeless. 

Mark Bouzida of CP is a regular volunteer at Crisis and had a few words to say about their work over Christmas: 

"Every year over 10,000 volunteers support homeless people across London and other cities across the country. I'm one of them, it's my third year now and I cant imagine not doing it. There's something about being there and knowing that you are making a real difference to the lives of the guests that come.  It came to me during the last few days there that for many this is the one place that all year they may feel truly welcome, truly appreciated and treated with the respect and dignity all people deserve. And that's why I do it. I've seen in a single day someone picked up off the street, showered, clothed, fed, given housing advice, been housed and got his old job back - it's an amazing place and an amazing thing to be part of. It's also a great laugh, I've met some amazing people too - roll on Christmas!"