Keeping children’s hope alive
Right now, thousands of children are experiencing mental health issues, abuse, and exploitation. Christmas can be a time when these struggles are felt the most. But we run an initiative that helps give those who need it most the strength and hope to move forward with their lives. Through our Give Hope online store, you can purchase gifts or experiences to support these children. We spoke to some young people who have received gifts from Give Hope to show what a difference it can make.
Going digital
Going digital
You can buy all sorts of items at the Give Hope shop, ranging from a winter coat, to essential food, to therapy sessions. Whatever a young person might need, with your help we have the power to make real-life change.
We often take for granted things we use from day-to-day. But many don’t have the same privileges we do. One young person, 15, we spoke to received a Laptop. Here they explain what it meant to them.
I was very relieved and excited. I wouldn't have been able to afford a laptop otherwise. I was very emotional.
schoolwork
“Doing schoolwork has been so much less stressful as I feel more organised being able to access resources during the day. I also unwind by drawing with the pen on Adobe Fresco. I feel happy being able to decorate the laptop as I have it as my own.”
“Now I am able to complete exam papers and annotate useful documents without having to print out everything. It saves me time and money as well as reducing the amount of paper I have to carry around all day. Thanks to this I feel my revision is more effective as I am not wasting time sifting through papers. That was my primary reason for using the laptop. It has helped me greatly.”
Getting young people active
I’m on the way to becoming a football king. I’m on the way to becoming a football king.
The next football superstar
We don’t just offer items as gifts. Getting young people active, especially in team sports, can be great way to stay healthy and teach them how to collaborate. One young person that was struggling with depression received football lessons that they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford. They told us just how special this was.
“I’ve had sessions and hope to join a team. This has been a long-time dream and has helped to improve my mental health.”
Young people getting mental health support services
“Day by day I feel more myself. The sessions are so much fun, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
His project worker added “Football gives him a sense of purpose and something to look forward. It is a positive focus outside of challenges in other areas of life. His mum has noticed an improvement in his self-esteem, confidence and mood.”
Give the gift of hope
Our online store gives you the chance to purchase gifts or experiences for children we’re supporting through our youth services. Give hope today and show a young person they matter.
Giving hope
Art attack
Being creative helps children cope with their feelings and fears, as well as managing their emotional states. Not only is creativity good for wellbeing but it can also spark the beginnings of a successful career. One of our young people, 21, with a passion for art received supplies to make their dream come true.
“The box of art supplies, including paint, colored pencils, markers, clay, heat-shrink plastic, and even a thumb piano, was a wonderful gift. I have already started using them to create many arts and crafts projects that I love. As someone who is introverted and spends a lot of time alone after school, these materials have brought so much joy and fulfillment into my life.”
crafting
Crafting helps me feel peaceful and content, and it has greatly boosted my confidence.
“The supplies have not only enhanced my personal life but also given me the opportunity to connect with others. I look forward to using them with friends and sharing these creative activities with other young people, helping others relax and find peace through arts and crafts.”
Giving hope
We hope you enjoyed these stories as much as we did. And if you are feeling inspired, why not help make hope come alive by donating a gift today. Shop now and light up their tomorrow - because a little bit of hope can go a long way.
Author: Edward Herbert
