Begun in 1927, this year’s Christmas Appeal is the 84th year of a unique partnership between St Martin-in-the-Fields and the BBC. We are extremely grateful to our donors and to BBC Radio 4: without their generous support we would not be able to continue this vital work with some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people here in central London and across the UK through the work of the Vicar’s Relief Fund and The Connection at St Martin’s.The Vicar’s Relief Fund makes over 100 grants every month to people in need all over the UK. Although the grants are relatively modest (around £170 on average), they are meant to meet crisis needs and are made quickly – often within a day. Primarily, grants are made to prevent people becoming homeless, or helping those who have been homeless to set up a home, often for the first time. A support worker recently wrote to us: “Please never underestimate the difference that a small grant can sometimes make to our clients’ lives. These small grants are often the boost they need. It shows people do care and have a belief in them.” The Connection at St Martin’s provides services to 200 people every day and night through its day centre, outreach for rough sleepers, skills training and career advice, activity programmes, and specialist support for complex needs. By offering advice, care and support, each person is encouraged to address the issues which caused their homelessness, helping them to gain the skills and confidence to make lasting changes in their lives.