Local groups bring hope and support to Melksham community

AS the festive season approaches, Melksham’s community spirit is in full swing, with local charities and organisations working tirelessly to spread joy and support to those in need.   

From food parcels and hampers to toys and treats, local organisations are helping to ensure that no one feels alone or forgotten this festive season. 

Groups offering support and help include Melksham Food Bank; a new charity, Christmas Cheer, which provides hampers to families in need; the Friends of Giffords Surgery, bringing smiles to children with a gift of toy and the Chatty Cafe and thatmeetingplace offering a friendly face and a place to drop in for a chat. 

Here is a round-up of some of the support being offered by local groups:

Melksham Food Bank: providing more than essentials 

The Food Bank prepares emergency food parcels for members of the community on a referral basis, either as a one-off or as ongoing support. At Christmas, it includes Christmas treats in the parcels along with toys and gifts for families with children, and organises a special Christmas meal. 

Chair Alan McFall expressed gratitude for the fantastic support they receive each Christmas. “We see a significant upturn in donations during this time of the year, with people and businesses alike stepping forward to help,” he said. “The addition of Christmas items like mince pies, Christmas puddings, and chocolates allows us to include festive treats in our parcels, making the season a little brighter for struggling families.” 

“We also collect toys from different quarters to give to families which always go down well. 

Any donations of food can be dropped off at the local supermarket and other local shops – details are on the charity’s website and Facebook page where you can also find details about making a financial contribution or volunteering. 

A new charity brings festive spirit 

A new Melksham-based charity, Christmas Cheer, has launched with a mission to ensure local families in need can enjoy a Christmas dinner. The charity is supplying 50 Christmas hampers to bring some extra joy to the Christmas season. 

The hampers will contain all the essentials for a Christmas dinner, including turkey, potatoes, vegetables, pigs in blankets, sauces and pudding. Families will also receive Christmas crackers, mince pies, chocolates, cheese and biscuits, mulled wine, and a board game to enjoy together and a personalised Christmas card. 

“At Christmas Cheer, we believe every family deserves a special Christmas meal, regardless of their financial situation,” said trustee Clare Richter. “We provide traditional, nutritious holiday dinners to families experiencing poverty or hardship, ensuring they can enjoy a festive meal they otherwise couldn’t afford. We’re committed to spreading the warmth and joy of Christmas, one meal at a time.” 

Founded earlier this year by three trustees – Clare Richter, Barnie Abraham and Richard Aylward – the charity hopes to grow its efforts year after year.

Toy drive for local children

Another new charity, The Friends of Giffords Surgery, has launched a toy drive to ensure that every child in the community receives a gift this Christmas.   

Community members are encouraged to donate new or good-quality used toys at Melksham Town Hall or Giffords Surgery by 12th December. On 13th December from 2.30pm to 6pm, families in need can visit the town hall to select free toys and even receive assistance with wrapping. 

The Friends will also be honouring the dedication of carers at Christmas, with people in the town being invited to nominate deserving full-time carers for a special pamper gift. “Christmas can be a special time, but it can also be a challenging one for carers’” says the group. “Let’s show our appreciation for these incredible individuals who selflessly dedicate their time to caring for others. Do you know someone who is a full-time carer this Christmas? Nominate them for a well-deserved Christmas treat!”

Nominations can be made on the group’s Facebook page. Donations for Carer Pamper Packs can also be dropped off at the surgery or Town Hall.

Coffee and a chat at that meeting place and Chatty Cafe 

That meeting space in the Market Place holds drop-in sessions every Tuesday from 10.30am to 12 noon and will be open both on Christmas Eve Tuesday 24th December, and New Year’s Eve, Tuesday 31st December. 

“We’d be delighted to welcome you any Tuesday morning to enjoy a cuppa and a natter with a friendly group of people,” said John Firth from the group. 

“Come along between 10.30am and 12 noon on Christmas Eve and join us in singing carols and Christmas songs while we have hot drinks and mince pies. We’ll also be open for our regular drop-in on New Year’s Eve. 

“The drop-in has been welcoming anyone who’d like to come to a safe space to chat and meet people for more than three years – it’s fine to come on your own or with friends.   

“It’s been wonderful to see people, some of whom had felt isolated and lonely, connecting with others. It’s been a catalyst for many to get involved with other community activities.”   

The Chatty Cafe is a weekly social group which meets for coffee and a chat, aiming to help improve people’s mood and tackle loneliness and isolation. It meets every Tuesday at The Poolside Cafe, Melksham Community Campus from 10am to 12 noon.