Crisis needs computer volunteers this Christmas to help the homeless

Crisis is reaching out to Computeractive readers and asking if anyone with computing skills could spare some time to help the homeless over the Christmas holidays.

The national charity for the homeless is looking for people in London and Newcastle who are confident in helping others learn and use IT. As we know from the entries to our Home Computing Heroes award many of our readers have the skills to help those unfamiliar with computers.

Crisis said volunteers don't have to be computer whizzes, just be able to help  people who have never used a computer before, or who are not confident about their IT skills learn new and basic tasks.

This could include showing someone how to use programs such as Microsoft Office, surf the internet, how to stay safe online, send emails or even write a CV. There is also a need for those who are willing to suggest and host IT workshops.

Hemant Patel, a Crisis Christmas volunteer for four years said: "I enjoy the atmosphere and mutual respect generated by volunteers willing to give up their time at Christmas to directly support homeless people at a lonely time of the year.

"It is certainly more rewarding than indulging too much and feeling bloated by early afternoon on Christmas Day!"

In London Crisis will set up nine temporary Christmas Centres and volunteers are needed for shifts of usually between 10.00 am to 7.00 pm from 23 December to 29 December.

However the charity told us that if people are unable to put in all those hours they would be grateful for what help they can provide; although it would like people to sign up for a minimum of two shifts even if they can't complete the full hours .

People can learn more about volunteering and sign up at the Crisis volunteering page, where their application and if they are shortlisted invited for an interview.