The cost of living is a huge concern for many families this year. For this reason we are preparing for a higher demand than ever for festive support; including gifts, food hampers and generally for mental health services during the festive period.

Christmas is a time that no child or family should go without, and at Kids Inspire we rely on the generosity of our supporters to help make the appeal happen. This year, we are asking you to donate, give a gift or give a hamper.

Patron of Kids Inspire, Actress, Ruthie Henshall, recently appealed directly to local supporters on behalf of the charity: “We are expecting a much higher demand for our services, we are asking you to help us to make the Christmas Appeal happen this year. Thank you so much for all you do.”

Donations last year were gifted to Ajay and Samira who live with their mum and dad, who like many families, face daily financial difficulties as a family and live below the poverty line. Both siblings have been subject to ongoing housing issues and previously faced a high risk of becoming homeless.

Vicky Haylock, Chief Operating Officer, said: “Sadly, Ajay and Samira’s story is typical of what we are hearing from our service users right now. We are just seeing the tip of the iceberg as a result of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the rising costs of living and so this year’s Christmas Appeal feels more important than ever before. Each year we have been humbled by the community who have always been so willing to lend a hand and hope that we can again pull together to support even more children to have the Christmas they deserve.”

Gifts can be dropped to Kids Inspire HQ in Great Baddow, times vary and can be foundhere. Gift recipients are aged 0-18 and have been nominated by Social Workers, Children’s Centres, Kids Inspire’s clinical team, schools and other organisations working with children across Essex. Likewise, the hampers will go to the families of nominated children, hamper contents can be found here. Financial contributions will be used to ‘top-up’ the appeal, often for teenagers, and will go towards our core services.

An Amazon Wishlist can also be found by clicking here and donations are welcome here.

-ends-

In 2021, the Christmas Appeal distributed over 1,322 gifts and 400 food hampers to children, siblings and families across Essex.