Support in Melksham this Christmas

Local charities and groups in Melksham are working hard to provide support to residents who may need it this Christmas.

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

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

Friends of Giffords Surgery free Christmas lunch

This year the group is offering a free Christmas lunch on 25th December for anyone who is experiencing loneliness, homeless or in need on Christmas Day.

The event is being held at Spencer Sports and Social Club from 11.30am to 2pm.

A member of the group, Sarah Williams Martin, said, “Loneliness is a growing crisis in the UK, with around one in four adults reporting they feel lonely ‘often, always or some of the time.’

“Younger adults and vulnerable groups are most affected. At the same time, homelessness remains at record levels across England. For many, Christmas can be the hardest time of year, amplifying feelings of isolation and despair.”

The group is appealing to the wider community and local businesses for donations to make this event possible. To donate, email hello@friendsofgiffords.net or ring 07344 727676.

Christmas Cheer hamper delivery service

Christmas Cheer is a Melksham-based charity that helps families who may be struggling in the current economic climate to put a proper Christmas dinner on their table.

Last year, the group provided 40 hampers of fresh, traditional Christmas fare for families in the area to cook for themselves in their own homes, along with some crackers and a game for all the family.

This year, the group are increasing their hampers to 100.

One of the founders, Richard Aylward said, “This ambitious target is only possible with the support of local traders and supermarkets who are providing produce at cost prices, or even less, as well as donations of money and materials from individuals and businesses. Now that Christmas is only three weeks away, a final push is needed to get the funding that is needed to make their target.”

For more information, contact the Christmas Cheer website https://www.christmas-cheer.org/

Chatty Cafe 

A scheme in Melksham, which brings residents together for a hot drink and a chat, will still be meeting over Christmas.

Chatty Cafe Melksham is part of a UK-wide scheme aiming to tackle isolation and loneliness. Every Tuesday at the Campus, a group meets in the poolside cafe from 10am to 12pm. The group will continue to meet at the same time and place on Tuesday 23rd and 30th December.

One of the organisers, Evelyn Phillips, said, “We look forward to everyone that is lonely, needs a friend or just wants a chat and cuppa.”

No booking is necessary; people can just turn up.

Melksham Community Larder

The Community Larder, based in the Round House in Prince of Wales Garden, will still be open over Christmas, providing residents with surplus food, which has been collected by volunteers from local supermarkets and the area.

The Larder will be open on the following days and times over Christmas: Monday 22nd at 2pm; Tuesday 23rd at 11am; Wednesday 24th (Christmas Eve) at 7pm; Thursday 25th (Christmas Day) Closed; Friday 26th (Boxing Day) at 11am.

Organiser Adrienne Westbrook said, “All residents are welcome to come and collect surplus food at the Round House.”

Melksham Food Bank

The town’s food bank is based in Melksham Baptist Church on Old Broughton Road and this year, the team are cooking a three course Christmas lunch for clients on a Sunday in December, as well as providing an extra bag of Christmas-related items.

The team has also been collecting brand new toys for parents to give their children, and toiletry sets for teenagers.

A member of the food bank team, Kay said, “We will be open as usual on Monday 22nd December for food parcels and Lifeline will be open where they can have a drink and something to eat.

“We are only closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day but are giving clients who collect on Thursdays an extra parcel, so they don’t go without.

“We would like to thank everybody that have supported us during the past year; it is very much appreciated.

Melksham Pet Food Bank

The Melksham Pet Food Bank run by local woman Wendy Isaacs is reminding residents that support to help people feed their pets is still available over Christmas.

Wendy said, “Please if you have pets, live in Melksham or surrounding villages, if you are genuinely struggling to make ends meet, contact us. There is no judgement, no awkward questions, just a helping hand when you need it.  Everything is in complete confidence, just reach out and allow us to help you.

“Go to our Facebook page, follow it, then send us a private message via the page or ring/text me on 07393501737.”

Pictured: Friends of Giffords Surgery