Enjoying a snowy Sunday in North London

‘On Sunday, the staff and the residents of one of our North London hotels staged a snowball fight in the car park. I arrived to see the key staff, men, women, children and even one of the security guys hurling snowballs around the car park and taking photos – it was amazing!

Cold weather, Covid, long days and uncertainty have really taken a toll on everyone’s mental health in the hotels. Turning up to laughter and smiles was fantastic. It was like a bad spell had been broken.

I think it’s important that I acknowledge the staff of this particular hotel. They have always been receptive to our volunteers and gone out of their way to work with us, whilst keeping to Covid guidelines. They communicate with us almost daily – identifying those who need the most support in the hotel, whether it be basic requirements like shoes or coats, or extra mental health support. They gladly hand out cards to our Access Team, and have even set up a socially distanced space for people who feel lonely, to sit in (in the reception area) so they can take part, or watch the general chatter.

They really know what is going on in the hotel, and have a sense of how difficult it is for the people staying there. They were the FIRST to get out there and encourage the snowball fight. Simple things go a long way.’ – Matilda, Care4Calais volunteer (U.K.)

To volunteer with us in the U.K., email [email protected].