'It is the beginning of the end of homelessness'

Golda Rosheuvel - perhaps better known to most as Queen Charlotte in the Netflix hit series Bridgerton - has urged Londoners "to get involved and make a real difference” this Christmas.

Ms Rosheuvel was at the homeless charity Crisis's warehouse to promote their seasonal appeal.

She said she believed "a lot of people don't have a community, don't have family to fall back on.

"Crisis really creates that safe space for them to come and have a community, and get to know themselves again, find themselves again, in these hard times.”

The actor, who has also starred in popular British television programmes such as Luther, Coronation Street and Silent Witness, added: “I think to try and bring joy to people who are suffering is a really important thing to do, and Crisis is at the forefront of that, especially over Christmas.”

The charity's east London warehouse is where donations including food, clothing, toiletries, games and activities are organised ahead of being distributed as part of Christmas services across the city.

Crisis is also expected to provide hotel rooms in London to more than 570 people who would otherwise be sleeping rough at Christmas, while also opening day centres across the capital to support people in insecure living situations such as hostels.

It also helps people to find a stable home and develop their skills and confidence to rebuild their lives away from homelessness.

Ms Rosheuvel’s Bridgerton castmate, Bessie Carter, who plays Prudence Featherington, described Crisis as a “phenomenal charity”.

She had a simple message for potential donors this Christmas: “If we have, we should give.”

“Christmas is a time to give people a real feeling of safety and warmth and dignity. Crisis does that in the form of putting these guests up in hotels... it is the beginning of the end of their homelessness.

"It's not just a holiday. It is the beginning of them finding stability.”

Matt Downie, boss of Crisis, said that nobody should have to face Christmas "without the warmth and security" of a safe home.

He added: "Our Christmas services simply wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our volunteers who ensure every single guest feels a sense of belonging.”

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