Shelter is today launching a £1.3 million Christmas fundraising campaign across the UK after seeing a rise in people looking to the charity for help in the wake of the credit crunch.

In the last six months a total of 463,000 people from across the UK have looked to the housing and homelessness charity for help, and the figure is continuing to rise in the run up to Christmas as the financial crisis hits home.

The Big Build Up To Christmas campaign is calling on the public not to forget the thousands of people facing repossession, or those homeless or badly housed, as they get ready for their own big build up to the festive season.

Shelter chief executive Adam Sampson said: 'There is no denying many of us are facing a more cash-strapped Christmas than usual. But we mustn't forget those people in the most need who have felt the full force of the credit crunch and find, through no fault of their own, they are homeless, or face losing their home this Christmas.

'As the financial crisis really starts to hit home, Shelter is seeing more and more people turning to us for help, but the more demand for our services, the more funding we need. That’s why support at this time is crucial if we are to help people keep a roof over their heads.'

Over the last six months the number of people coming to our front line services, across the UK, including Shelter's free and confidential helpline, has risen by 33 per cent, while people seeking help through the website advice pages has leapt 14 per cent.

Mr Sampson added: 'The credit crunch started in the housing market and for that reason it's now more than ever that we urgently need the help and generosity of the general public as demand for our services increases fast.

'That’s why we are appealing for people to support our Big Build Up appeal to raise £1.3 million for those in desperate housing need this Christmas.'

The Big Build Up appeal will run throughout December and all the money raised will go towards Shelter's vital housing advice services.

To make a difference to people in desperate housing need this Christmas, visit scotland.shelter.org.uk and make a donation today.

How the money will help - Simon's* story

2008 started as a very bad year for Simon and his family. As a self-employed electrician and with the building industry in freefall, Simon struggled desperately to get work.

As the weeks turned into months, and with three daughters under the age of twelve to support, Simon found that his income was down but his outgoings remained the same.

Simon started to fall into arrears on his mortgage and accrued other debts. Despite making some payments towards the mortgage, the lender took Simon to court to repossess the family home.

At this point Simon turned to Shelter for help. Shelter negotiated on behalf of Simon and managed to suspend the possession order and arrange a much fairer repayment plan with the lender, which Simon can now manage.

Just a few months ago Simon was facing homelessness this Christmas, but thanks to Shelter's help the family can enjoy Christmas in their own home and look forward to a brighter future.

* Names have been changed to protect client identity.

Notes to editors

1. In the last six months a total of 463,000 people across the UK have looked to Shelter for help. This is made up of 45,593 people being helped by our direct advice services between May and October and 418,197 people seeking help from our website advice pages between May and October.