Gift appeal gives hope to young care leavers

For young people in Surrey who have left the care system, the run-up to Christmas can be a tough time.

Many care leavers are "struggling with the rising cost of living and cannot always access food banks", according to the New Leaf service which supports 16 to 25-year-old care leavers facing emotional and mental health challenges.

The service is asking the public to donate gifts to its Christmas Bag Project, with the option of choosing from an online wish list.

Emrald Greenidge, clinical lead for New Leaf, said young people who have previously received gifts through the project have been "deeply moved by the generosity of others".

Ben, 21, said the donated items were "the first presents I have had in years".

Another care leaver said: "I am so grateful for my presents, I am surprised that people would donate such nice stuff."

The New Leaf service, run by the Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said donations would provide young people with "a bag of gifts to open on Christmas Day, reminding them that they are not alone during what can be an especially difficult time of year".

Donations can be made via the service's Amazon Wish List, featuring "items that are the most needed and which can help to brighten a person’s day".

In addition to gifts, donations of long-life food items are also needed to create food hampers, "ensuring these young people have both festive cheer and essential supplies".

All donations need to arrive by Friday 29 November, to allow time for wrapping and distribution.

Gifts and food donations can be sent directly from Amazon or posted to: c/o Care Leavers, Ramsay House, Richmond Crescent, Epsom, KT19 8PH.

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