It’s that time of year again: the decorations are out, the tree is up, and many of us are still searching for the right gift for that hard-to-buy-for relative. Christmas is upon us.

Whilst we wrap our presents for friends and family, many of us find ourselves looking back at the past year and thinking about all the good things in our lives. Whether it's been a great one or a not-so-great one, we consider what got us through the tough times and what we loved most about the best times. But thinking about how much we have makes us think about those who aren’t so lucky. This is why charity donations always spike at this time of year.

Here at Ferry Project, we want to say a big thank you to everyone who donates to us over Christmas. Your donations help make the festive season really special for our clients, many of whom have lost friends or family they may otherwise have been able to spend the holidays with. Your support means they can celebrate and be a part of the Ferry Project family, rather than feeling isolated and alone.

However, as homelessness numbers rise across the UK, the generosity we receive over Christmas is not enough to help us address the problem for a long term basis. Shelter has estimated that some 354,000 people, including 161,500 children, will spend Christmas without a home this year. That number has risen by 15% since last year. Just because we stop thinking about them once Christmas is over, it doesn’t mean those people sleeping rough will have magically found homes by New Year.

Although holiday donations are important, charities like Ferry Project run 365 days a year, and long term support is essential for them to continue doing so.

So whilst you wrap your Christmas gifts this year, keep in mind those spending Christmas without a home, and be mindful that the challenges they face will not disappear once the decorations come down.

We look forward to your continued support in the year ahead as together we help those experiencing homelessness move towards independent living with love and support.