Council launches Christmas appeal to support care leavers

Stockport Council’s leaving care team has launched its annual Christmas appeal to support local care leavers across the borough.

Christmas can be a challenging and lonely time for young people who don’t have families to celebrate with. There’s more than 330 care leavers in Stockport, many living on their own with limited support networks.

The leaving care team works to ensure the young people feel valued and supported by providing thoughtful gifts, festive food hampers, and other seasonal treats to brighten their holidays.

Cllr Wendy Meikle, Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education said:

“We’re calling on our local Stockport community and businesses to donate gifts and help us wrap all our care leavers in warmth and kindness over the festive period. All donations, large or small, will make a real difference and show our young people that they’re cared for over Christmas.”

Jill Sherratt, Supported Lodgings Team Leader at Stockport Council said:

“The gifts have a real impact on the young people we support, they tell us it’s not just the present itself but the fact they know that people have thought of them and care about them.”

Gifts for care leavers could include:

• Toiletry gift sets
• Chocolates (including selection boxes)
• Dressing gowns
• Pyjamas, oodies or similar cozy wear
• Scarves, gloves or hats
• Socks
• Slippers
• Hairbrush sets
• Cuddly toys
• Makeup
• Umbrellas
• Earphones

For more information about how to donate gifts etc, please contact Jill Sherratt at Stockport Council.

Interested in becoming a supported lodgings provider? Visit Stockport Council’s website for more information.