City's homeless need our help

THE festive season has passed, and we've all been gazing at cards, school plays or decorations bearing the familiar image of a tiny baby born in a manger.

- by Beth Pavelle

We are so accustomed to this scene that it becomes a cute and nostalgic imitation and it's easy to forget the raw, messy, true-life story it depicts.

A young, first-time mum facing a complicated arrival: tumultuous, scandalous and unforeseen. Travelling during a time of national upheaval as the census was taking place, with no housing or accommodation available.

Jesus was born into temporary accommodation; the lodgings were filthy and his first cot a borrowed animal trough, to a mother in complex circumstances.

The parallels between Jesus's entry into the world and the chaotic, cold and insecure lives faced by people experiencing homelessness in Plymouth are remarkable.