Caring for young people this Christmas
Christmas is a time to reflect and come together with loved ones but it can also be a difficult and lonely period. As schools close, young people who are facing challenges at home or who are at risk of exploitation can find themselves isolated from vital support. That’s why our services and incredible project workers like Sophie are so important.
What is CARE?
Sophie works for our CARE service, which supports children who are at risk of exploitation. CARE helps keep young people safe, improving their emotional wellbeing, and empowering them to move forward.
care packages
Care packages
During the first Covid-19 lockdown, Sophie was concerned that the young people she works with were struggling more than ever.
‘During lockdown, I felt very isolated myself. I thought, if I feel like this, how do young people feel?’
‘So I started sending out little care packages, things like bars of chocolate, face packs, anything that would touch base with them to say ‘I’m thinking of you.’’
Now, she gives out these packages every Christmas.
Sophie's little helpers
Originally, Sophie’s goal was to make 20 bags, one for each of the young people she was working with. But people were still sharing donations and Sophie was able to put together 50 bags for young people across the east of England. Last Christmas, the generosity of Sophie’s community made it possible to create care packages for more than 100 children.
A lot of my friends and family wanted to do something. Friends told friends.
Christmas boxes
Christmas party
For Sophie, the most important thing is supporting young people and reminding them they’re not alone.
‘I always think about what my young people want. I customise the packs to have something that I know the young person really likes.’
‘They’re just really pleased that you’ve thought about them.’
‘Every year we have a Christmas party for the young people we support. I make sure all of those young people have a Christmas box.’
‘So often the young people that we’re working with either haven’t got these things or they feel so low that they struggle to care for themselves.’
self care is important
Self-care is so important, and it can lift you.
This year, the cost of living crisis is making things difficult for all of us and the young people we support are facing huge challenges.
‘We’re getting more request for food bank vouchers and more families are facing period poverty.’
‘Our target this year is 50 boxes, because we know lots of people are struggling.’
Donate today
Project workers like Sophie are here for young people when they most need help, and their dedication changes lives every day.
By standing alongside young people we can help them to hold on to hope.
Donate today to help us continue the work to keep every young person safe from harm.
