Friendly places to meet, a warm welcome and Christmas dinners are being offered to people who are homeless, and other vulnerable people in Leicester, over the festive period.

A programme of extra support and activities has been coordinated by Leicester's Homelessness Charter, which brings together a range of local organisations working to tackle homelessness in the city. Full details of all of the services available over the festive period are available here, You can also find a simplified list of free hot meals across the Christmas & New Year week here.

Local charities, faith groups, the city council and other organisations will be providing a wide range of services throughout the Christmas holidays to help ensure that people can get the support they need and also enjoy some Christmas cheer.

Rebecca Pawley, Project Coordinator for Leicester's Homelessness Charter, said:

"Homelessness continues to rise nationally, with an estimated 330,000 people expected to spend this Christmas without a home.

Leicester's Homelessness Charter, established in 2018, remains committed to supporting organisations and individuals working to address homelessness in our city. Christmas can be an especially isolating time for those experiencing homelessness, but it's inspiring to see organisations, faith groups, and individuals coming together once again. Their efforts ensure that anyone facing homelessness can find warmth, safety, support, and a chance to share in the festive spirit."

Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, deputy city mayor for housing said:

We're extremely grateful for the invaluable support that charities and faith groups in Leicester provide all year round. At Christmas they pull out all the stops to make sure very vulnerable people can have some Christmas cheer in the company of others.

"Leicester's Homelessness Charter helps bring together these fantastic organisations, whose efforts make a huge difference to people's lives. Sadly, their work is needed this year more than ever."

To help people who are sleeping rough, the city council's homelessness outreach team is out morning and evenings, providing support including emergency accommodation. The council's Dawn Centre hostel in Conduit Street, will be open all day, every every day throughout the Christmas and New Year period offering advice, support and assistance to those who are homeless.

Anyone who is concerned about someone sleeping rough can report it online at www.thestreetlink.org.uk and the city council will send its outreach team to offer a bed and other help.

Anyone who has been made homeless or is rough sleeping can call the city council on 0116 454 1008 during working hours from Monday to Friday. This will enable a homeless prevention officer to properly assess their needs. In an emergency situation – at weekends, bank holidays and out of hours – people can call the Dawn Centre on 0116 221 2770.

More information can be found on the Charter's website.