Big Brother finalist Olivia Young helps Glasgow's homeless

The Jordanhill celebrity visited Social Bite’s Sauchiehall Street coffee shop on Wednesday to encourage donations over Christmas.

The 23-year-old told the Glasgow Times she was inspired to help because she wanted to use her influencer platform to help others.

She was serving coffees while educating customers about the charity’s Festival of Kindness as well as the itison £5 deal which allows people to buy a hot Christmas meal for a vulnerable person.

Olivia has always donated to Social Bite and since her return to Glasgow has been concerned by the number of people who are homeless in the city centre.

Olivia was spotted in the coffee shop helping vulnerable people (Image: Colin Mearns)

She said: “I now have a big following on social media and I really want to use it for good and support great causes.

“Every year at Christmas my aunty goes on itison and as part of my presents will spend £5 to get a dinner for a homeless person.

“It is something we have always done and I want to let everyone know about it because it can make a real difference.

“There are far too many homeless people in Glasgow and I won’t stop using my voice to help vulnerable people, hopefully it makes a difference.”
Olivia feels passionately about helping the homeless (Image: Colin Mearns)

Social Bite is the UK’s leading homeless charity and is focusing on helping those struggling with the cost-of-living crisis over winter.

The organisation's Festival of Kindness will see volunteers attempt to provide 300,000 meals, gifts, and essential items to homeless and vulnerable people.

Olivia said: “People in Glasgow can come and visit the Festival of Kindness tree which is in the city centre until Friday to donate a gift.

“They can tap their card at the machine beside the Christmas tree and give whatever they can to help.

“You can also go online to donate until the New Year, any contribution is welcomed.”

Volunteers at Social Bite, from left- Andy Traynor, Alex Patrick and Christine Patterson pictured outside Social Bite on Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. (Image: Colin Mearns)

Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, said: “Our supporters are what make it possible for us to help vulnerable people who need it most, and we want to thank each and every person who has ever donated, brought a present or shared the news on what we do at Social Bite.

“It’s people like Olivia who get involved out of the goodness of their heart that will allow us to give people who are homeless across the UK a hot meal, a warm and safe place to be.

"So, please keep giving - the Festival of Kindness and itison £5 Christmas Meal offer aren’t over yet, and there’s more people out there that we can spread some festive joy to this Christmas with your support!”

Olivia rose to fame after appearing in Big Brother’s latest season and becoming runner up to winner Jordan Sangha.

The dancer narrowly missed out on the £100,000 prize after spending six weeks inside the house.

She previously said: “I grew up watching the show and I've always said if it ever comes back, I want to do it.

"I just think I fit the brief because I've got personality to sell and this is the best place for it.”

When describing her personality she said: “Loud, confident, annoying. I'm the type of person who is up for anything.

"I'm the life and soul of the party. I’m that friend who people invite to things because at least I'll be fun.

“They know that they're guaranteed a good night if I'm there.”