Charity delivers Christmas support for families in Exeter

Vulnerable people and families have received welcome support this Christmas – with free children’s activities and food hampers.

Here at Exeter City Community Trust we have supported more than 400 families through the provision of free Christmas activities for children and good quality food hampers.

The Department of Education funded Devon County Council to provide the Healthy Activity and Food (HAF) programme across Devon; and Exeter City Community Trust received a grant of £72,770 from the Local Authority to deliver a Christmas HAF Programme in Exeter. The food for the hampers was bought from Greendale Farm Shop, with as much local produce included as possible.

Jamie Vittles, chief executive of Exeter City Community Trust, said: “The pandemic has made our work in the community more vital than ever, and we continue to see the impact of it on families and individuals. Thanks to this funding from Devon County Council, we can help towards easing some of that burden.

“The school holidays, and Christmas in particular, bring huge financial pressure to many families. This year, increased costs and reduced incomes have exacerbated that situation. Research has shown many children from under-privileged families do not get to experience holiday activities. We’ve created a mix of activity and experiences which are aimed at engaging young people, helping them to eat healthily and be active; alongside this we have ensured they receive a hamper with everything their family needs for Christmas Day.”

The HAF programme is primarily for children aged 5-16 years (including 4-year-olds already in Reception Year) who are eligible for and receiving benefits-related free school meals, and their families. The aim of the scheme is to support children to eat more healthily, be more active over the school holidays. Children who take part will enjoy fun and enriching activities in a safe and sociable environment, having the opportunity to develop new skills or knowledge and try out new experiences.

There were four days of sports and activities at Bowhill and Willowbrook Primary Schools, and the Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre. All participants and their families received a Christmas HAF hamper and a range of activity vouchers to provide essential items, some festive goodies, and fun family activities at Christmas and beyond. 

In addition to this, we worked with the Rediscover Church, to deliver 250 hampers on its behalf to diverse and underrepresented communities within our city. Hampers were also delivered to residents who are part of our Supported Housing Programme.