PEOPLE across Oxfordshire have been hosting Christmas parties this week to raise money for homeless charity Crisis and its Skylight Oxford centre.

And now they have been joined in the fundraising efforts by stand-up comedian and former mental health nurse Jo Brand.

The QI star has called on as many people as possible to host parties tomorrow and Sunday – the last two days of the Crisis Christmas party season – and donate to the cause.

She said: “I think attitudes to homelessness have changed a bit down the years, but not as much as I would like.

“The image of a drunk bloke with a dog on a string could not be further from the truth.


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“I admire Crisis because of the personal approach to the things that they offer.

“It is not just at Christmas, it is at all times of the year.

“My ideal Christmas party is a bit of a dance and I love a bit of sherry. If everybody has had a few sherries at Christmas, who cares?

“I think people should get behind the campaign and support it, it’s a great idea.”

The campaign encourages people to hold a Christmas party and get those attending to donate to Crisis.

At Skylight Oxford, at the Old Fire Station in George Street, Crisis gives homeless people help and guidance to get them off the streets and back into work.

It offers workshops to help them learn new skills and advice on finding a job.

In 2014 it worked with 857 homeless and vulnerably housed people from across Oxfordshire. Crisis chief executive John Sparkes said: “Having the support of Jo is fantastic.

“We can talk about homelessness and what Crisis does, but having her support is great. Most of us are looking forward to Christmas and sharing it with family and friends and it is a time of year when we want to think about people in a different situation.

“The contrast is very clear to people and most people want to do something useful to help.”

To find out more about hosting a party visit crisis.org.uk/christmasparty



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