The Guardian and Observer charity telethon 2023: call our writers and donate | Refugees

Readers have the opportunity to talk to some of their favourite Guardian and Observer journalists on Saturday as part of the annual charity telethon, this year in support of refugees and asylum seekers.

Journalists including Marina Hyde, John Crace, Polly Toynbee, Owen Jones, Peter Bradshaw, Sali Hughes, Simon Hattenstone, Nosheen Iqbal, Zoe Williams and many more will be on hand to take your calls and donations.

The 2023 appeal is raising money for three charities – Refugee Councils of Britain, Refugees at Home, and Naccom – that support homeless and destitute asylum seekers and refugees and campaign for fairer and more humane treatment of people arriving in the UK after fleeing war and persecution.

Telethon phone lines will be open between 10am and 6pm GMT on Saturday 16 December. To make a donation by credit or debit card, and have a chat with our journalists, call 0203 353 4368.

There has been an incredible response from Guardian and Observer readers to this year’s appeal, with more than £450,000 donated in the week since it launched. The topical theme has struck a chord with many donors who have emailed us to express frustration and anger at the government’s harsh treatment of asylum seekers and refugees.

Katharine Viner, the Guardian’s editor-in-chief, writing in her column introducing the appeal, said: “More than ever, our 2023 appeal seeks to highlight the values of kindness, respect, tolerance and compassion, all of which underpin the missions of our partner charities, alongside their commitment to social justice and human rights.”

Our three partner charities provide shelter, food and advice to mitigate a winter crisis in which thousands of refugees have been made homeless at short notice as a result of changes to UK government rules. They also offer longer-term support to help refugees recover their health and wellbeing, develop skills and rebuild their lives.