The UK’s leading youth homelessness charity, Centrepoint, has rewritten the lyrics to ‘Silent Night’ as a poignant reminder that street violence towards homeless people is a very real threat that thousands face this Christmas.
Almost 8 in 10 homeless people have suffered some sort of violence, abuse, or anti-social behaviour and Centrepoint’s research reveals that more than 24,400 young people are facing homelessness this Christmas, putting their safety at risk.
The revised lyrics highlight how terrifying living on the street is for vulnerable people. With freezing conditions and lack of shelter to protect them, young homeless men and women also have to face the threat of violence.
The rewritten carol aims to raise awareness and donations for young homeless people that Centrepoint supports by giving them safe environments to spend the night.
Violent Night
Violent night, endless night.
All alone, pray for light.
Yelled at, abused, beaten for fun.
Hit and kicked, nowhere to run.
Sleep in fear for your life,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
‘Violent Night’ has been performed by a choir, led by young people affected by homelessness. The lyrics were workshopped with Aimee, 18, a young rapper with cerebral palsy who became homeless one winter after a family breakdown.
Christmas should be a time of joy for all. Nobody, especially young people, should be going to sleep cold, scared and alone. Centrepoint provides beneficiaries with accommodation, valuable life skills, physical and mental health support, and also works to provide access to education or employment for young homeless people.
Ffion Nicholas, Centrepoint Helpline Manager said:
“Christmas is an incredibly difficult time of year for young people facing homelessness, particularly those who are forced to sleep rough. Not only is it cold, dark and wet – it’s also extremely dangerous. The Centrepoint Helpline speaks to young people every week who have fled difficult situations at home only to face even more danger on the streets. Sadly, many of them have no choice but to continue putting their own safety at risk while waiting for a safe place to stay. This Christmas you can help a homeless young person by donating to Centrepoint and letting them know that somebody, somewhere is thinking of them.”
