A campaign to feed 1,000 disadvantaged children in Bristol who are at risk of hunger over the Christmas holidays launches today. Bristol Live is working with city-based social enterprise Community of Purpose to raise funds for an initiative called Break Free.
The programme was set up by Amy Kingston and her brother in 2016 to combat holiday hunger for children on free school meals and provide activities to keep them off the streets. Since launching, the scheme has helped thousands of families in the city. Last year alone, it supported 1,113 young people.
In the run-up to Christmas, Bristol Live is aiming to raise £25,000 to support the Community of Purpose initiative. And we need the help of big-hearted readers, as well as city’s business community, to make sure as many children as possible experience the magic of the festive season.
The money raised will go towards hosting a special Christmas meal and additional support to tackle holiday hunger this winter for up to 1,000 children aged between six and 16. A single payment of £25 will pay for a young person to travel in a Bakers Dolphin coach to an attraction or activity, receive porridge and fruit for breakfast and a two-course festive lunch, a care package and Christmas supplies.
Amy said: “As we approach Christmas, households across the city face an incredibly tough choice between things like heating the family home or putting food on the table. Our campaign aims to provide some respite for 1,000 families across the city.”
To find out more about how you can support the Break Free programme and help raise £25,000 by Christmas, click HERE.
Local parent Teressa Ince has experienced first-hand how transformative the initiative can be. Her children, Alfie (10) and Amber (six), have been involved with the scheme for a number of years.
When she dropped Alfie off three years ago, Teressa initially thought it was a stand-alone activity club run over Christmas. It was only after Amy and project manager Gemma Box knocked on her door a few weeks later to check whether he would be coming back she realised it was an ongoing programme.
Since then, her children have been regular attendants at sessions throughout the year. “Alfie has ADHD, and the team have been brilliant at accommodating his additional needs. Amber’s confidence has gone flying up since starting at Break Free, and I’ve seen a difference in how she feels at school,” she said.
The hot meals served daily and programme of activities arranged by Break Free have been a ‘big hit’, she said. Teressa is particularly grateful for the workshops, skills-building sessions and day trips provided for the children, which wouldn’t be possible otherwise due to the cost involved.
“What Amy and her team do for local families is amazing. They really get to know each child as an individual and cater to their needs. As a parent, Break Free is a game-changer. Before my son started going, I was worried that he might start hanging around with the wrong crowd during the holidays.
“But now I know that he’s somewhere safe – and that he enjoys being there. The kids often come home during term-time and ask, ‘how long is it until Break Free?”
Pete Gavan, editor of Bristol Live, added: “We’re proud to support the Break Free programme this Christmas. The initiative truly embodies the spirit of Bristol by bringing people together to make a real difference for children.
“This is why we’re calling on businesses and readers to join us in helping provide a special Christmas for these young people.”
To find out more about how you can support the Break Free programme and help raise £25,000 by Christmas, click HERE.