Hugh Dennis on Making a Difference campaign: ‘Tiny amounts make an enormous difference’

As someone who has spent years working alongside Hugh Dennis for the Radio 4 Christmas Appeal, I can wholeheartedly say that my life has been enriched by the experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve met during this journey. The stories of resilience, hope, and determination shown by those struggling with homelessness are truly humbling and serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of our own lives.

Hugh Dennis is conversing with TopMob from the location of the festive version of the BBC One comedy series Outnumbered. It’s the show that humorously portrays a family dealing with the challenges presented by generational differences, all within the cozy and caring confines of their household.

But this comedic narrative is a long way from the experiences that thousands of families and individuals will be facing this Christmas. For over a decade, Dennis has been fronting Making a Difference, linked to the annual Radio 4 Christmas Appeal, now in its 98th year, which raises money to help change the lives of those experiencing homelessness.

Listeners of Radio 4 and readers of TopMob contributed more than £5 million to the charity St Martin-in-the-Fields over the past year. In the Radio 4 Christmas Appeal: Making a Difference, Dennis speaks with individuals whose lives have been impacted by the funds donated for the Vicar’s Relief Fund, which provides emergency grants, the Connection day center at St Martin’s, and its Mental Health Frontline Fund. However, what keeps him returning, year after year, to support these initiatives?

Working with similar situations has taught me that those affected aren’t in this predicament due to a decision they’ve made. Small shifts in someone’s life circumstances, such as a late mortgage payment, a traumatic event, or family issues can lead to homelessness. It’s alarming to realize how easily it could happen to anyone – ‘there but for the grace of God go I.’ Once in this cycle, it’s extremely challenging to escape, regardless of one’s determination.

This charitable organization provides grants, albeit not large sums – the most being £500. Yet, these modest amounts can bring about significant change, and that’s why I wholeheartedly recommend contributing if you are able.

Among those who benefited from assistance the previous year were individuals named John and Carla. Dennis accompanied Carla on a tour through central London’s streets to gain insight into her living conditions prior to receiving aid from The Connection, and the depiction was quite bleak, painting a stark reality of life in contemporary Britain during the 21st century.

On the chilliest, dampest, and bleakest evenings, she would rest in a tent, often choosing spots near underground stations or cafés with warm air outlets. For Carla, the Connection at St Martin-in-the-Fields served as a shelter, warmth, meals, access to showers, and an opportunity for laundry.

For several years, Carla grappled with addiction problems and had to rely on couch-surfing for shelter, often staying with men who expected something in return. Now, Carla resides in a hostel located in London’s Victoria district. Although it’s still early, she has significantly reduced her alcohol consumption, works with a dedicated outreach support worker, and is making progress towards securing her own housing.

When Dennis inquires about her current state of happiness versus a year ago, she expresses that she’s significantly happier, more tranquil, more comfortable within herself, and most importantly, “capable of looking forward instead of backward.

After a stretch of clinical depression, John’s life underwent a significant transformation, leaving him in debt. As a result, he lost his home and resorted to homelessness. It wasn’t until he crossed paths with someone from Hope into Action that things began to look up for him. They assisted him in securing a grant from the Vicar’s Relief Fund, which covered the deposit for the one-bedroom bungalow where he now calls home.

He expresses his contentment about having his own bed, saying, ‘I’ve been in uncomfortable situations where others fed me, but it didn’t feel right. Now that I can feed myself, it feels so much better. I love living here. For the New Year, I hope to continue residing here forever. I’m much happier with my life now, and I owe a lot of gratitude to many people.’

It doesn’t sound like much to ask, does it? A roof over your head, bed to sleep in, food to eat, somewhere to wash but, as the Rev Sam Wells, Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields points out in this year’s appeal, “We see homelessness everywhere and, across the UK, it is rising.” The price of a coffee or your favourite listings magazine can make a difference this year to someone’s life.

In Dennis’ own words, “Everyone I’ve talked to shares a universal desire for a home, seeking stability, warmth, and strong family ties. Even small amounts of financial help can make a significant impact, and we are deeply appreciative of those who generously give, despite their own financial struggles. It’s truly heartwarming.

2024-11-28 22:04

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