County Council unites to support care leavers this Christmas

Wednesday, 23 December 2020 15:58

Staff from across Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) have joined forces this Christmas, to provide gifts to more than 400 young care leavers. The initiative is part of a wider campaign ‘to support young people leaving care.’

County Council employees and Hertfordshire companies raised £7635 in aid of the annual Christmas for Care Leavers Appeal. Over the years, staff members have donated individual items for care leavers. In addition, gift boxes are usually created to ensure young people are able to open a present on Christmas Day itself. This year, vouchers have been purchased instead due to COVID-19. Each care leaver will therefore be given the opportunity ‘to treat themselves to a gift of their choice.’ 

Additionally, some young people leaving care have no family network or plans in place for celebrating Christmas. However, this year 20 volunteers from HCC have organised a number of online events to support these individuals on Christmas Day. This includes a festive quiz, virtual cook-along and a DJ set.

Christmas Day events are open to all care leavers. In turn, 50 young people will receive a hamper, containing cook-along ingredients and ‘some extra treats.’ Ingredients have been donated by Tesco and can be used alongside a ‘video created by Oaklands College.’ Finally, Ocado and Tree Heritage Nursery have also supported the event.

Owen Mapley, Chief Executive of HCC, said:

“In this extraordinary year, it’s been more important than ever to support our young people and show them that they are not alone. I’m hugely grateful to colleagues across the County Council for supporting this care appeal and donating their time for the Christmas Day social. My thanks also goes out to our sponsors Tesco, Ocado, Oaklands College and Tree Heritage Nursery for making a difference to our young people.”

More from Local Vibes: News

NHS Trust launches five-year plan to transform services and facilities

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s (WHTH) five-year plan will aim to build on current services, facilities, and care across the region for more than 600,000 people.
The Top Five Films and TV Shows to Watch this Week (14th - 19th April 2024)

Video

From the longest ever episode of a childhood classic to a new member of the team, this week brings a whole range of fun filled viewing. It seems the sunshine has brought a sense of pure entertainment from the looks of my top five things to see over the next few days…
Local Elections: A guide on how to vote

On Thursday 2 May, the country is set to head to the polls for a local election.
Cancer support charity launches new online wellbeing tool

Cancer Compass is a free online tool that allows anyone living with or beyond cancer to check their emotional wellbeing and find the right support.
Modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet coming to Watford’s Pump House Theatre

The Pump House is delighted to present a unique 90s/2000s twist on a Shakespearean classic, reinvented for a 21st century audience. Performed by an ensemble of talented actors, who will reignite this text onto the main stage.
NHS Trust introduces service to improve newborn feeding

A new West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust service which helps newborn babies struggling to feed because of a condition with their tongues, has already supported over 100 families since November 2023.