It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in homelessness schemes across the country.
Christmas time can be difficult for individuals who have been homeless, as they may be reminded of the loss of family or friends. But each year, our funding helps to provide some extra festive cheer for the people we support.
A talented young resident helped to decorate the Christmas tree at the hostel she is staying in with entirely handmade decorations. She received some funding and bought bows, stick-on jewels, gift tags, paint and clay to make an array of decorations. As you can see, the tree looks fantastic, and the decorations will be a lasting reminder of her talents.
Meanwhile, at a nearby scheme for women with support needs and mental health problems, residents got together to make a fruit cake. As well as being a seasonal treat, the baking session formed part of an ongoing series of cooking classes designed to get residents of the scheme together and develop their skills and independence.
Martine (L) and Michelle making the Christmas cakeOne resident, 29-year-old Martine, says that she loves to eat nice things, so really appreciates being involved in cooking classes that show her how to make her favourite dishes. “I like to be able to learn new things, and I am definitely more confident – before I came here I didn’t know how to cook anything.”
Michelle, who is 45, came to the hostel after she had been homeless for three months, following a mental breakdown that meant she lost her home.
She says that she used to cook all the time, and was pleased to have lessons not just for her own interest, but to help provide more activities for the other women living there. “More activities and groups keep people occupied. It’s not just cooking, it’s a sociable and communicative thing,” she says.
“Some of these women can’t go out by themselves,” she continues. “You communicate with other people, from outside of the scheme, when you do groups and workshops. It also means you have good cooking skills, so you can get back into the mainstream.” With her renewed skills and confidence, she hopes to move into her own flat within the next year.
Please help us to support vulnerable individuals like Michelle and Martine in developing their skills and rebuilding their lives. Donate today.
