http://www.crisis.org.uk/page.builder/crisis_open_christmasnew.html
Anybody done this before or something similar ?
Nobody ? :ermm:
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What a week ! 
Probably one of the most satisfying things I’ve done. Did 4 shifts in the end, two 3pm till 11pm and two 10pm till 8.30am. Ended up serving food, clearing tables, cleaning toilets, watching fire exits/stairs, handing out bedding, talking to some amazing people, they may be homeless but they have done some amazing things, lived very interesting lives.
One chap was a chef and lost his flat which was tied to his job when the restaurtant went bust, so became homeless. Another was a waiter on the QE2 and many of them were ex-servicemen. Some had some form of mental illness, either originally or developed since becoming homeless. Some were in hostels but lonely so came along for the food and company.
Crisis provided a range of services, all free including a Doctor, dentist, optician, hair dressing, first aid, massage, housing and job advice, information on general life skills, like banking, how to get utility services and pay for them etc.
Have to say Crisis were excellent, really trying very hard to find the right support for them. Great bunch of poeple, the other volunteers were fantastic to work with too. Would recommend it to anybody who wants to do something useful at Christmas rather than veg out in front of the TV I will be doing it again next year.
Used to do something similar for a job here in London. Hard work but incredibly satisfying. like you said, you meet some of the most interesting people with amazing stories to tell!
Think eveyone should do a stint of this - gets things in perspective a bit and opens the mind a little! Breaks down a few inaacurate preconceptions
Good effort Yslart, things like that can really make a difference to people 
Good on you steve, thumbs up to you sir.
Well done Steve! 
Maybe if some of our leaders did a stint of this they might realise the effect’s their policies have on the people of this country!