Charities offering support and advice at Christmas | Tenant news

Over the Christmas period there are a variety of national charities you can reach out to if you’d like some company, food, gifts for children or other forms of support. 

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is one of the largest organisations providing support during the holiday season. They provide food parcels, Christmas hampers, toys for children, and host community Christmas meals. They also offer emergency assistance for families in financial hardship.

Reach out to your local Salvation Army branch now to ask about their seasonal programs and services. Visit salvationarmy.org.uk/community to find your local branch or call 020 7367 4500.

Age UK

Age UK is a partnership of independent charities of over 120 local Age UKs, and hundreds of smaller organisations called Age UK Friends and Forums. They help millions of people every year, providing support, companionship and advice across the year and during Christmas and 365 days a year.

Visit ageuk.co.uk to find out more about their services. The Age UK Advice Line is also open from 8am – 7pm, every day of the year, on 0800 678 1602.

Family Action

Family Action provides practical, emotional, and financial support to families in need, especially during the Christmas period. They run the Christmas Toy Appeal, which ensures that disadvantaged children receive gifts. Family Action also provides emergency grants for families struggling to cover basic needs.

You may need a referral from a social workers or teacher, but they also offer direct application processes for their grants.

Visit family-action.org.uk for more information or call 0808 802 6666 or text 07537 404 282.

Marmalade trust

The Marmalade Trust brings joy and companionship to people of all ages, including people who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day. Christmas Day lunchtime meal events are held in local pubs and restaurants for those who would otherwise be spending the day alone and would enjoy company.

They also offer a doorstep social visit for people who cannot attend the events due to health or mobility concerns. The doorstep visit with a friendly volunteer is a great way to enjoy the festivities on Christmas Day.

Visit marmaladetrust.org to learn more and refer yourself or someone else for support. Or call 07566 244788 or email christmas@marmaladetrust.org.

The Trussell Trust

Operating over 1,200 food banks across the UK, The Trussell Trust provides emergency food parcels, including Christmas-specific food boxes with festive items like Christmas pudding and treats. They also help families access support services and advice.

You usually need a referral from a professional (e.g., a GP, social worker, or Citizens Advice) to access their services.
To find your closest foodbank, visit the trussell.org.uk/help-and-advice or call 0808 208 2138.

You can also search for your nearest Community Fridge, where locals can meet up, donate food and reduce food waste, at communityfridgemap.org.uk

Turn2us

Turn2us, a national charity providing practical help to people with their finances, has information about grants you can apply for and other services you can call on for help before and after Christmas.

Visit turn2us.org.uk for advice.

Warm Welcome Spaces

If you can't afford to heat your home and you could do with some company, there are warm spaces you can get out to. 
Warm spaces are places offered by libraries, councils and other community groups, where you can go to spend time and stay warm, and in some places get a cup of tea and biscuits or a mug of soup. Visit warmwelcome.uk to find a warm, welcome space near you.