No one should be forced to sleep on the streets at Christmas. Each year we give a home to 200 adults, young people and children who would otherwise be homeless on Christmas Day. Young people like Lydia.

Two years ago, just before Christmas, Lydia and her family went on a short holiday. Returning home several days later, Lydia's partner and eldest child went to collect their luggage. Tragically, they were involved in a car accident, and both lost their lives. Two days later Lydia's Nan, who had raised her, died of heart failure. From being in a happy and secure place, Lydia's world was thrown into chaos.

This is her story, in her own words.

Concerned that Lydia wasn't coping with the situation, her family called Social Services, and Lydia's youngest child was taken into care. Struggling to cope with losing contact with the one person who kept her going, Lydia began to search for something which would dull the pain of loss.

Lydia turned to working at takeaways cash in hand for money and drugs which led to prostitution because the drugs ended up taking a hold. She ended up in a very controlling relationship. Her partner was using drugs and physically abusing Lydia. They went begging every day for money.

This year through supporting our Giving a Home campaign, you can help give someone the best Christmas present a home for good.