Generous Lincoln Businesses Deliver Christmas Cheer
Lincolnshire Action Trust has been inundated with gifts from businesses across the city after it called for support for its LAT Wishes Christmas campaign earlier in December.
The charity, which delivers the Young Oasis service to children and young people across the county who are affected by the substance misuse of a parent or family member, originally wanted to give a small gift to each of the 30 people currently using the service.
But in just three weeks the team have received an outpouring of support thanks to 16 businesses and organisations and a number of individuals who have come to their aid.
Alison Goddard, CEO of Lincolnshire Action Trust, said: “The popularity of our first Christmas campaign has taken us all by surprise. We’ve received so many gifts that we’re now able to give each child even more than we initially hoped.
“One of the most heart-warming moments of the campaign was being contacted by a young person who used Young Oasis a few years ago. She spent her pocket money to buy a gift because she remembered how important the support of Young Oasis was for her.
“We’ve already started giving out the wrapped presents ready for the big day next week and watching the reactions of the children and young people we’ve been working with this year has frequently given me goosebumps.
“I can’t thank the businesses who have got involved enough. You’ll never know the difference you’ve made to the lives of the young people we’re working with – I think that makes the whole campaign more heartfelt.”
The LAT Wishes campaign was supported by Ambitions Personnel, APSS Group, Butlins, Taylor Lindsey, Lincoln Security, Langleys Solicitors, Shooting Star; Boots Lincoln, The Works, Tesco Lincoln, Poundland, Superdrug, Car Store UK – Lincoln, Co-op Welton and Minster Roundtable.
Donated gifts from the wish list for children and young people aged six to 17 included colouring books and crayons, juggling balls, colouring books and pencils, toiletries and Squishies. But the charity received many more gifts besides, including five Amazon Fire tablets which were donated by Ambitions Personnel.
Alison added: “For most families Christmas is a magical time, but for children and young people dealing with parents who misuse substances it can be a time of acute uncertainty and anguish.
“I’m sure these gifts will go some way to letting these children and young people know that someone was thinking of them on Christmas morning.
“I’d like to thank all of the business and individuals who have got involved in this campaign. It’s really brought home the true meaning of Christmas to me and the team.”
For more information about Young Oasis and the other support programmes being delivered by Lincolnshire Action Trust please visit www.LATcharity.org.uk. To contact LAT, please e-mail hello@latcharity.org.uk.
Notes for editors:
- Established in 2000, Lincolnshire Action Trust (LAT) is a registered charity based in Lincoln.
- LAT works with statutory and non-statutory agencies to improve the skills and employability of individuals involved in the criminal justice system and prisoners in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland and Leicestershire, as well as their families and children.
- The Trust has delivered the Young Oasis project since 2015, supporting children and young people from all backgrounds who are affected by the substance misuse of a family member, usually a parent.
- LAT delivers a proactive and innovative partnership approach to achieve the care, resettlement and rehabilitation of offenders, those at risk of offending and their families.
- Lincolnshire Action Trust identifies client needs and gaps in current provision and designs bespoke services to address them. Services are tailored to the individual and include sessions on advice and guidance, debt and financial advice, accommodation support, employability and family support and disclosure.
- LAT hosts the UK’s first ‘departure lounge’ at HMP Lincoln, which aims to support offenders as they are released. The lounge offers a basic help package to address any immediate needs but can also provide guidance on housing, travel and other long-term needs.
- LAT delivers SPARC (Supporting People After Remand or Conviction) an assessment service at Lincoln Magistrates Court which addresses the immediate needs of individuals who have been sentenced.
For more information visit www.LATcharity.org.uk
