Homeless man's Christmas plea: 'All I want is a bed'
Paul Straffon, 47, is forced to sleep in a Wimbledon shopping centre doorway this Christmas. His story highlights London's homelessness crisis, with over 13,000 rough sleepers last year.
Paul Straffon, 47, is forced to sleep in a Wimbledon shopping centre doorway this Christmas. His story highlights London's homelessness crisis, with over 13,000 rough sleepers last year.
A couple left homeless after a sinkhole drained the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire have been overwhelmed with offers of help from the boating community, saving their Christmas. Read how kindness triumphed over disaster.
Banksy confirms a new London mural via Instagram, depicting children gazing skyward in a poignant statement on child homelessness, with a second artwork appearing in central London.
Discover the top free vantage points to watch London's spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display. Find out which parks and hills offer the best views of the Thames celebration, including key travel info.
Prince William and his son Prince George volunteer at The Passage homeless charity in London, continuing a royal tradition started by Princess Diana. See the festive visit.
Prince William and Prince George made a surprise visit to The Passage in London, helping prepare its annual Christmas lunch and continuing a family tradition of supporting the homeless.
Discover why The Churchill Arms in West London is famed as the capital's most festive pub, with 55 trees and 300,000 lights attracting visitors from across the globe. See the story behind the dazzling display.
Westminster City Council proposes a £90 weekly rent increase for 352 temporary accommodation households from February 2026 to tackle a £12.5m budget overspend. Over 90% of residents will be protected by housing benefit.
A High Court order forces the Home Office to delay evictions for newly recognised refugees at risk of homelessness, extending the move-on period to 56 days. Over 3,000 people are set to benefit this winter.
Camden Council introduces personal 'passports' for homeless individuals to prevent re-traumatisation. The scheme launches as rough sleeping in the borough surges by 26% this year.
A decade-old warning about the slow death of social housing is now a reality. New reports reveal the system is failing its core purpose: to house the poorest. What's the future?
Londoners can expect a damp, overcast Christmas Eve with temperatures peaking at 8°C. Get the full hour-by-hour forecast for the capital's festive weather.
A Franciscan sister in London responds to renewed interest in religious life, detailing her work in soup kitchens, homeless shelters and providing medical aid on the streets.
A North London mother received £5,250 compensation after Brent Council's errors left her and her children without a home for over a year. Read the full Ombudsman report.
The Guardian and Observer's 2025 charity appeal launches, supporting four UK partners tackling poverty, homelessness, and social isolation. Discover how you can help.
Official figures reveal an 8.2% annual rise in children living in temporary accommodation in England. The Guardian is seeking to hear from affected UK parents about the impact on family life and education.
A journalist reflects on meeting a homeless 13-year-old boy, Craig, and the systemic failures in UK criminal justice, mental health and probation that led to tragedy.
Discover a hidden London Christmas market that offers a magical, European-style festive experience. Find unique gifts, mulled wine, and authentic charm away from the crowds.
Ditch the festive fatigue with our guide to the best live music in London this December. From Wolf Alice at The O2 to Sudan Archives at the Roundhouse, discover the gigs worth braving the cold for.
A Lewisham tenant faces court after a homelessness charity served a Section 21 notice. Kim Mansell disputes £1,885 arrears, claiming the charity aims to raise rent before new laws. Read the full story.
Discover the top Christmas carol services in London for 2025. From free concerts at St Paul's to candlelit events at the Royal Albert Hall, find your perfect festive outing.
Exclusive investigation reveals UK councils have spent £633m on rent-to-rent schemes since 2020 as housing crisis deepens. Discover how middlemen profit from desperate local authorities.
New data reveals the San Francisco Bay Area's poverty rate surged to 16.3% in 2023, with 1.02 million residents now living in poverty. Discover how the cost of living crisis is affecting California.
Alicia and her six-year-old son Aeon have been trapped in unsafe temporary housing for years, highlighting England's growing homelessness crisis. Discover their story and how to help.
Islington Council's homelessness budget soared from £5m to £15m in one year as temporary accommodation demand spikes. Discover how the borough is tackling London's housing crisis.
A Cardiff couple invited a homeless man for Christmas dinner in 1975. He stayed for 45 years, becoming family. Read this extraordinary story of kindness.
TV presenter Gail Porter reveals she avoided Hampstead Heath for years after experiencing homelessness there. She now fronts the Samaritans' winter campaign to help others in crisis.
In Newport, Middlesbrough, six out of seven children grow up in poverty. Families and local services demand the two-child benefit cap be scrapped as the government prepares a new strategy.
Discover Pastino near Tottenham Court Road, serving handmade Italian pasta for under £10 with huge portions. Perfect for a cheap eat in Central London that feels luxurious.
Veeraswamy, London's oldest Indian restaurant, faces closure as its landlord plans to convert its historic building into offices. Celebrity chefs rally to save the iconic eatery. Discover the full story.