Pictured: Christmas Sing for SASH
As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, winter can be a particularly challenging time for young people experiencing homelessness.
At SASH, we believe every young person deserves a safe place to stay, someone to turn to and the opportunity to build a brighter future. Through our network of hosts, supporters and local communities, we work hard to ensure young people across York and the surrounding areas don't have to face homelessness alone.
There are many ways you can get involved and support SASH this winter. Whether you have time to spare, would like to attend an event or are able to make a donation, every contribution helps us continue our vital work.
Here are six ways you can make a difference.
Attend a SASH Event
One of the best ways to support SASH is by joining us at one of our fundraising events.
This December, we're looking forward to welcoming supporters to our Christmas Candlelight Concerts, two special festive evenings bringing people together through music, community spirit and a shared commitment to preventing youth homelessness.
Returning for 2026, our concerts will feature uplifting performances from local choirs in the beautiful surroundings of candlelit churches. Whether you're looking for a festive evening with family, friends or colleagues, it's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some Christmas music while supporting young people across York.
This year, we're hosting two concerts:
Friday 4th December 2026: Acomb Community Choir at St Edward the Confessor Church, Tadcaster Road, York, at 7pm.
Friday 11th December 2026: The Clerkes at Heslington Church, York, at 7pm.
Tickets cost £10 for adults, £5 for children under 16, or £27 for a family ticket (two adults and two children). Mulled wine, mulled punch and mince pies will also be available during the evening.
Why not make a difference this Christmas while enjoying a magical evening of festive music? Book your tickets for one of our Christmas Candlelight Concerts today.
Volunteer Your Time
You don't always need to make a financial contribution to make a difference. Sometimes, the most valuable thing you can give is your time.
This December, we're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support our Sing for SASH fundraising events at York Train Station. These special festive fundraising days are a fantastic opportunity to spread some Christmas cheer, raise awareness of youth homelessness and encourage members of the public to support young people in our local community.
We'll be at York Train Station on two Sundays in December:
Sunday 6th December 2026
Sunday 13th December 2026
We're looking for volunteers to join us, help with our fundraising activities and encourage people to donate to support our work. Whether you can spare a few hours or have more time available, your support would be hugely appreciated.
Volunteering at a SASH event is a great way to meet new people, get involved in your local community and make a positive difference. Every conversation, donation and helping hand contributes towards ensuring young people experiencing homelessness have somewhere safe to turn.
If you're interested in volunteering at either of our York Train Station fundraising events, please get in touch with the SASH team to find out more at fundraising@sash-uk.org.uk
You can also discover other ways to volunteer and support our work on our volunteering page.
Consider Becoming a Host
Could you offer a young person a safe place to stay? SASH hosts open their homes to young people aged 16–25 who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. By offering a spare room and a welcoming environment, you can give a young person somewhere safe to stay while they work towards a more independent future.
You don't need previous experience to become a host. SASH will provide you with full training and ongoing support throughout your hosting journey. Our team will be there to guide you, answer your questions and make sure you feel confident and supported.
Hosting can be an incredibly rewarding experience. A safe place to stay, combined with understanding and encouragement, can make a lasting difference to a young person's life.
You don't need to have all the answers. Sometimes, simply providing a safe and welcoming space is the first step towards helping someone rebuild their confidence and look forward to the future.
Could you make room for a young person? Find out more about becoming a SASH host and how we can support you every step of the way.
Set Up a Regular Gift
Regular donations are one of the most valuable ways you can support SASH.
Setting up a monthly donation, however large or small, gives us a more reliable source of income and helps us plan ahead. Knowing we have a community of people supporting us month after month means we can continue providing safe accommodation and essential support to young people who need us, throughout winter and beyond.
A regular gift might seem like a small commitment, but when combined with the generosity of other supporters, it can make a significant difference. It helps us ensure more young people have somewhere safe to turn when they need help.
Could you support SASH with a regular monthly gift? Every contribution helps us create safer, brighter futures for young people.
Make a One-Off Donation to Our Winter Appeal
Winter can bring additional challenges for young people experiencing homelessness. Having somewhere safe and warm to stay, alongside access to practical and emotional support, can make an enormous difference.
Our Winter Appeal is an opportunity to help ensure SASH can continue supporting young people when they need us most. Whether you can give £5, £10, £25 or another amount, every donation helps us provide vital support to young people facing homelessness.
You don't need to make a large donation to have an impact. Every pound raised helps us provide the accommodation and support young people need to take steps towards a safer, more stable future.
If you're able to make a one-off donation this winter, we'd be incredibly grateful.
Support our Winter Appeal today and help make a difference to a young person's life.
Sign Up to Our Newsletter
Want to keep up with everything happening at SASH? Signing up to our newsletter is a simple way to stay connected with our work and find out how your support is making a difference.
We'll share updates about the young people we support, upcoming events, fundraising activities, volunteering opportunities and the latest news from across the organisation.
By staying connected, you can help us spread the word about SASH and encourage others to support our work too.
Sign up to our newsletter in the footer of our homepage.
Together, We Can Make a Difference This Winter
There are so many ways to support SASH, and every contribution, whether big or small, makes a difference.
Whether you choose to volunteer your time, open your home to a young person, attend one of our Christmas Candlelight Concerts or make a donation, you're helping us ensure that young people experiencing homelessness have somewhere safe to turn.
We know that tackling youth homelessness takes a community. With your support this winter, we can continue providing safe accommodation, practical help and the support young people need to build brighter, more independent futures.
Thank you for being part of the SASH community and helping us make a difference.
