FOOD, shelter, warmth and companionship are on offer this Christmas for people in Coventry who are homeless, lonely or vulnerable.
Voluntary organisation Coventry Open Christmas will be open 24 hours a day from December 24 to 29 at Queens Road Baptist Church in the city centre.
Anyone who needs a safe place to go is welcome – whether for a hot meal, a chat, overnight shelter or to avoid being alone.
Operations Manager Natasha Leese said: “Coventry Open Christmas exists for one simple reason: no one in our city should have to face Christmas alone.
“For many of our guests, the holidays can be the hardest days of the year. A hot meal, a warm bed, and – most importantly – a friendly conversation can make a world of difference.
“What is truly humbling is seeing how people transform when they feel safe and welcomed. You see shoulders relax, you hear laughter return, and you realise how powerful human connection really is.
“Our volunteers give their time freely, and the compassion they show is extraordinary. They turn a church hall into a place of belonging.
“This project proves what Coventry does best: we look out for one another. And every donation, every hour volunteered, every shared smile helps ensure that spirit reaches those who need it most.”
Coventry Open Christmas will also host a Christmas Day Lunch at Queens Road Baptist Church from 12noon until 4pm.
The charity is taking over the lunch event, which will no longer take place at the Methodist Church Hall as in previous years due to budget cuts.
Natasha added: “This will put extra financial burden on us, but we cannot see people go without on Christmas Day.”
The charity is looking for volunteers who can help with serving food, chatting with guests, overnight supervision, logistics and donations handling. A volunteer information evening takes place on Monday (December 1) at Queens Road Baptist Church starting at 7pm.
Donations of cash, food, bedding, clothes and other items are welcome. Visit https://tinyurl.com/yr74kydr to donate money.
