Here at St Luke’s, one of our biggest projects each year is our part in the Islington Churches Cold Weather Shelter. From January to March (the coldest three months of the year), we open our doors each Saturday to offer a bed and meals to homeless people (six other churches in the area cover the rest of the week). As well as food, shower facilities and a safe, comfortable place to sleep, we also offer recreational activities and other services.

Last year, the Islington Nightshelter hosted around 90 guests. Over 6,000 hours of volunteer time went into making it run smoothly – as well as thousands of pounds’ worth of donations of food, clothing and toiletries. Without the involvement of so many members and friends of St Luke’s, the project wouldn’t be possible.

Nightshelter 2016 starts this weekend, 2 January, and we need lots of volunteers over the next three months to make it happen. There are different ways you can help. We’re looking for people to cover evening, night and morning shifts (serving food and making guests feel comfortable and supported). We also need volunteers to buy and prepare food (costs can be reimbursed), do laundry and other essential tasks.

If you’d like to help some of the most vulnerable people in our area, and enjoy getting to know fellow volunteers along the way, speak to Emma Leigh or Rose Gindele, or email stlukespcc@hotmail.com. Thank you – we couldn’t do it without you!