For most, Christmas is a time of joy and togetherness, but the reality is very different for people at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. When Mikael experienced homelessness, it was an extremely isolating time, not least because it meant he was unable to see his children as much as he would like to, or have them over to the place he was living. Hearing about Mikael’s experience of homelessness is a reminder that homelessness can, unfortunately, happen to anyone. It is also a testament to the fact that homelessness can be prevented, with the right support – as an emergency grant from St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity, funded by your donations to the BBC Radio 4 Christmas Appeal, allowed him to access a safe new home.
Before we get started
Before we get started
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Why do we run our annual Radio 4 Xmas Appeal?
Why do we run our annual Radio 4 Xmas Appeal?
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity was established in 2014 as an independent homelessness prevention charity, to support anyone at risk of or experiencing homelessness to have somewhere to call home. But our heritage pre-dates that. Since the 1920’s St Martin-in-the-Fields has been caring for people when they needed it most.
In 2024, we ran our 98th Christmas Appeal with BBC Radio 4. The Christmas Appeal was first delivered on Sunday December 5, 1920, when Dick Sheppard asked his congregation for donations to support families at Christmas. In December 1925 the Christmas Appeal was incorporated into the broadcast Christmas service, and in 1927 the appeal was included in the BBC Radio Times.
This year, our Christmas Appeal featured the stories of John, Elvira and Carla, who were all supported thanks to your support. Find out more about their stories here.
The theme of our BBC Radio 4 Christmas Appeal this year is “Wishing for a Home”, because a safe place to call home should never be too much to wish for. For most people, Christmas involves the warmth of your home, and being surrounded with people you love. But what about those people at risk of homelessness or those who are experiencing its devastating impact right now? What would they ask for Christmas if they could make a wish? No doubt it would be for a Christmas happier than the one they are facing.
Homelessness is rising across the UK. In England alone almost 360,000 households approached their council for help with homelessness in the last year, a 10% increase. The highest number of people ever recorded are in temporary accommodation. Rough sleeping is rising in every region and a record nearly 12,000 people were seen sleeping rough in London last year. That’s why we are working with BBC Radio 4 to raise funds to support people across the UK. Last year, our Christmas appeal raised more than £5 million, which in the year 2023-2024 allowed us to support 7,512 people through 4,508 grants, as well as providing grants to organisations across the UK and supporting frontline workers with the tools to help people.
As part of the support offer to tackle homelessness, we provide small emergency grants (through our Vicar’s Relief Fund) to individuals to provide immediate, assistance to those at risk of losing their homes, or those who need to move into new homes that are safe and suitable for their current needs. By addressing financial barriers directly, we prevent homelessness before it starts or resolve it quickly when it does happen. This allows individuals to maintain or regain their independence and stability.
Support St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity and help transform lives.
Mikael’s story
Mikael’s story
Mikael had been working full-time, and living in a home with his family, when he had an accident at work. He suffered a heart attack and fell down, causing serious brain damage. He spent 16 weeks in the hospital recovering, before being able to return home to his family. Once home, Mikael’s wife left him, and moved with their children to different area. She wasn’t able to cope with how Mikael had changed since suffering brain damage.
“My marriage disintegrated after that. She just couldn’t accept the changes in me, I wasn’t the Micky she married anymore. I was left on my own, basically, after that.”
Then, Mikael’s landlord decided to sell the home he was living in, and told him he had to leave. Now living alone and unable to work due to the impacts of his injuries, Mikael faced homelessness.
While it is true that some groups of people are more at risk of homelessness than others, for various reasons, Mikael’s story is a poignant reminder that homelessness can happen to anyone, no matter how secure their situation may seem. Sometimes it can just take one event – a workplace accident, a relationship breakdown, the loss of a job – to set the wheels in motion and lead to homelessness.
How the Radio 4 Xmas Appeal helped Mikael get back on his feet
How the Radio 4 Xmas Appeal helped Mikael get back on his feet
This is when he came into contact with Joanne, a Floating Support Officer at Triangle Housing, a Housing Association in Northern Ireland. Joanne worked hard to find Mikael a place to call home – somewhere in the area he felt settled in, and where he was close to his support network. This process of searching was difficult, as the housing market was very competitive. This was particularly stressful for Mikael because he feared having to live in a hostel temporarily, as this would mean his children wouldn’t be able to come to stay with him.
“Joanne helped me to get the flat I’m in. It’s been a struggle to even get one over here, especially in this area. I wasn’t sure if I was going to get it or not, but thankfully I did, and it was thanks to the help from yourselves.”
Eventually, Joanne and Mikael were able to find somewhere suitable, in the right area. However, to secure the flat, the Mikael would have to pay £650 to the landlord. After being out of work and relying on benefits while recovering from brain damage, Mikael did not have enough money to cover this. Thankfully, Joanne was able to apply to St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity’s for a grant of £500, which successfully secured the flat for Mikael. Your support to our annual BBC Radio 4 Christmas Appeal is what enables us to provide these grants, giving Mikael, and thousands more people like him, the chance to move onto their next chapter and find safety in a secure home of their own.
“I love it. I feel more at home here. I have my own space, I can do what I want. My children feel more content here.”
Moving into the flat has given Mikael somewhere that he can feel comfortable and relaxed. It means that his children can visit, which they do every other week.
Looking to the future, Mikael’s focus is getting back to work. Having to take time off of work while recovering from his injuries was very difficult for him, and he’s excited to be starting something new. He recently started working as a night porter at a local hotel, starting out part-time, and he hopes to gradually build this up as and when he is able to. As well as this, now that his housing anxieties are over, he can focus on recovering from his injuries, and spending time with his children. Thanks to the VRF grant he received, and the support from Joanne.
“The support from Joanne has been immense.”
Support more people like Mikael this Christmas
Support more people like Mikael this Christmas
Thanks to your support to our Radio 4 Christmas Appeal and our work year-round, Mikael’s Christmas this year will be in his own stable, secure home.
Our wish this year is that everyone should have a safe place to call home. With your support, we can make that wish come true. A donation today could give someone like Mikael what they need to secure a safe home. Find out more about the different ways in which we can help people across the UK.
Any gift, no matter the value, is a contribution toward an emergency grant for someone. Minor contributions may seem insignificant, but they can cover essential costs that prevent eviction or help people with their housing applications. Our VRF highlights how even small contributions can help transform lives and ensure more people across the UK have a safe place to live.
Make a real difference.
