The sight of rough sleepers in Glasgow is, sadly, becoming all too common.

As the dark and cold nights roll in in the run up to Christmas, charity Shelter Scotland has launched a public appeal for help to alleviate the “crisis” of homelessness in the country.

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The charity said an estimated 5,000 people sleep rough on Scotland’s streets throughout the year as it launched its urgent appeal.

Alison Watson, deputy director of the charity, said the number of homeless people is “shocking.”

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As reported by the Evening Times in May, four homeless people a month are dying in Glasgow.

Figures obtained by our sister title the Sunday Herald from Glasgow City Council via a freedom of information request revealed at least 39 homeless people died in the city in the space of just ten months.

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The deaths occurred between May 2016 and March 2017.

However, as Evening Times readers continue to express an interest in how they can help those most in need at this time of year, here are some volunteering opportunities and other ways you can help the homeless and vulnerable this Christmas:

1. Simon Community Scotland

The Glasgow-based charity works to combat the causes and effects of homelessness with a vision that everyone should have a safe place to live with access to the support they need.

The volunteer team welcomes people with a wide range of skills and experiences, including those who have lived through homelessness.

There are a number of different range of ways people can volunteer with the team. Simon Community Scotland is currently looking to fill the roles of warehouse volunteer, Simon store volunteer, street cycles volunteer and nightstop volunteer host. If you are interested, then get in touch here to get more information.

2. Lodging House Mission

This Glasgow-based charity is dedicated to providing care and support to homeless, vulnerable, and socially excluded people.

The team is always in need of anyone with handyman skills to help with small, but necessary, repairs on an ad hoc basis.

Currently, the team is fortunate to have enough volunteers in most positions. However, this changes very quickly and Lodging House Mission would still welcome potential volunteers to add to its waiting list. Head to lhm-glasgow.org.uk/volunteer for more details.

3. Glasgow Night Shelter

The group is looking for volunteers to cover night shifts while other members of the volunteer team are away over the Christmas period, between December 18 and January 6.

The group provides a safe, warm, and welcoming space every night for up to 30 destitute men who - because of their immigration status - cannot access normal homeless services. Volunteer tasks include: making the evening meal; welcoming guests, helping put out bedding, ensuring good order, chatting to guests, and clearing up.

Daytime drop ins are being held on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day and volunteers will be needed to help from 9am to 6pm. Head to glasgownightshelter.org for more information.

4. Glasgow City Mission

Make this time of year better for people who are homeless or trapped in desperate situations by purchasing a Christmas dinner for someone in need in Glasgow for just £7.

Or, for just £22, feed and support a homeless person for a month in the mission’s warm, safe city centre building. Visit glasgowcitymission.com for more information, or call 0141 221 2630.

5. Buy a Christmas tree

Festive shoppers in Glasgow are being given the opportunity to help save a life this winter by purchasing a Christmas tree.

Scots homelessness charity, Bethany Christian Trust, is offering beautiful Nordman Firs, with all funds raised directly supporting the charity’s care shelter.

The shelter works hard to provide hot meals and a safe place to sleep for those with nowhere to go during the coldest months of the year.

Priced between £35 and £55, they will be available for pickup at either Bearsden Baptist Church or Mosspark Baptist Church on December 9.

The trees are also available for delivery in Glasgow at the end of November.

Head to caringchristmastrees.com for more information.

6. Charcoals

As reported by the Evening Times, owner of popular Glasgow Indian restaurant Charcoals has dished out close to 1,000 meals to the city’s homeless in just three months.

Muhammad Sultan has said he is looking to expand the initiative even further as soon as possible and has called on volunteers to get in touch if they’d like to help out.

Visit the restaurant at 26A Renfield Street, Glasgow, or call the venue on 0141 221 9251.

7. Emmi’s Diner

As reported by the Evening Times, a café in the north of Glasgow has stepped in to make sure the lonely and vulnerable have dinner on Christmas Day.

Big-hearted staff at Emmi’s Diner in Balmore Road have been bombarded with requests for help after making the announcement on their Facebook page this month.

For anyone who wants to know more or know how they can get involved, pop into Emmi’s Diner at 148-150 Balmore Road, Glasgow, G22 6LJ. Alternatively, call Mr Kelly on 07452 832492 or search ‘Emmi’s Diner’ on Facebook to be kept up-to-date.

8. Jollytots and Cookies

The Uddingston cafe has launched an appeal for volunteers to help vulnerable people celebrate Christmas Day.

Jollytots and Cookies, in Old Mill Road, will open its doors to provide a meal to anyone who is lonely, homeless, in the grip of an addiction, or in need of some TLC.

The cafe, however, needs an army of volunteers to help with their event which will run from noon to 3pm.

To take part and find out more, call the venue on 01698 811337.

9. Give food

It’s the simplest of things and you may never have even realised it, but purchasing food and giving it to someone in need would make a big difference. So, why not pop into Boots, Sainsbury’s, or Tesco and buy someone a meal deal? Alternatively, some may feel more comfortable giving cash or even other necessities like clothing.

Are there any more ways you can add to the above list? Email aftab.ali@heraldandtimes.co.uk or leave a comment below.