Gumley House School in Isleworth chose Acton Homeless Concern for their charity to support this December as part of the school’s Advent Liturgy.

This charity was set up in 1989 for the needs of homeless people sleeping rough on the streets.

Headteacher, Caroline Braggs said: “This is a tradition that Gumley has continued with for the past 50 years and one that, as part of our social justice work, remains very important to all of our students and staff.”

The contributions are given by students at prayer services, which are held over three days in the last week of term. Parcels are prepared by groups of students and made up for distribution to families with young children and the elderly.

A representative from Acton Homeless Concern said: “The need for a local centre where those who are homeless or inadequately housed can find food, clothing, friendship, companionship and advocacy remains as much a pressing need now as it did when the doors of the charity first opened.”

At a time when more than 8,000 people are sleeping rough on the streets of London, charities are desperate for help in the form of donations and time. Housing supply is not keeping pace with demand and charities like Acton Homeless Concern are helping to act as a buffer to address the situation. They need support from schools like Gumley to help make a difference to those who are struggling, especially at this time of year.