Why Does The Radio 4 Christmas Appeal Matter?

“It might be hard not to give money to people on the street, but by donating to the Radio 4 Christmas Appeal with St Martin-in-the-Fields instead, you're ensuring that homeless people get grants, food, a shower, job advice or help with housing. It's better to look at the bigger picture and try to build a more stable future.”

“Sometimes it’s difficult to know what to do when you see someone sleeping rough on the streets. By supporting the BBC Radio 4 Christmas Appeal with St Martin-in-the-Fields you can be there to help thousands of vulnerable people right across the UK”

“It’s been my pleasure for the last few years to support this worthwhile cause. There’s never a good time to be homeless but winter is especially difficult, not least at Christmas, when the focus for so many of us is family and home. I also like that the charity supports people all over the UK not just in London.”

“At a time when most of us are retreating to the warmth of our homes and families, it is almost an imperative to remember those who are struggling in the cold. I'm always bowled over by the public's generosity and kindness when I'm manning the phones for the Radio 4 Christmas appeal. It binds us together and makes better humans of us all. It's also wonderful to chat to the listeners about things outside the world of politics and difference.”

“Much of my radio production work has been with people directly affected by homelessness. I’ve seen how easy it is to get into such a situation – and how difficult it can be to get out of it. The St Martin’s Appeal really can help.”

“I support this appeal because it offers a lifeline to people who are in despair, have no one to turn to, and are in desperate need of the kind of support that this appeal is able to give. It turns around the hopelessness of countless homeless people, and prevents people from ending up on the streets across the country, helping them to lead independent, fulfilling lives.”

“I think it’s about the contrast between the comfortable Christmas most of us are lucky to enjoy and helping the few who have none of that.”