St Mungo’s clients will be enjoying a Christmas lunch at Euston station on Christmas Day, thanks to Network Rail.
Network Rail, alongside St Mungo’s and Streets Kitchen, will host up to 200 guests who will have a three-course meal, entertainment and Christmas gifts.
The station concourse will be filled with decorations, and tables will be laid so that the guests, who will include St Mungo’s clients from supported housing projects in the Camden and Islington areas, can enjoy a full Christmas dinner and some company.
Beth Norden, Community and Events Manager for St Mungo’s, said: “Many people become homeless because of relationship breakdowns, so Christmas can be a particularly lonely time for some of our residents.”
“Our thanks to Network Rail, their staff and volunteers, for helping some of our residents in Camden and neighbouring boroughs feel included in the community this Christmas Day.”
We are asking for some donations to help cover some costs for the day – including transport costs to bring guests to the station. To donate, please visit the St Mungo’s Just Giving page.
Any additional funds raised will go to St Mungo’s services, which provide a bed and support for more than 2,700 people a night.
FAQs
Any plans for initiatives at other stations? This is a generous gesture by Network Rail at Euston. We will be seeing how the event goes for our clients, with the aim of possibly rolling out to other stations if it proves a success.
How will dogs be catered for on the day and how can people who are homeless bring their dogs? There will be seven vets attending and heated dog kennels set up for guests bringing dogs.
Why is it invite-only? As this is a pilot event, we have worked with Network Rail to make this available to our clients who are in our supported housing and hostels as an invite event because of the capacity of up to 200 guests. If anyone without an invitation arrives on the day, we will direct them to a nearby centre where Crisis is also providing support over the Christmas period to people who are homeless.
Can we volunteer? Thank you for your interest. We’re glad to say this event does now have enough volunteers. However you can still volunteer for St Mungo’s throughout the year by registering your interest at the St Mungo’s Volunteering page or perhaps check out other local charities, including Crisis, for volunteering opportunities over the holiday.