Community of Purpose partners Bristol Post and Bristol Live to raise £25,000 by Christmas
A new campaign to raise £25,000 by Christmas to provide vital support this winter for disadvantaged children in Bristol launches today (21 October 2024).
Bristol-based social enterprise Community of Purpose is launching the campaign in partnership with the Bristol Post and Bristol Live to raise funds to support the successful Break Free programme.
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 would 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 Christmas lunch, alongside an associated care package and Christmas supplies.
The programme, which combats holiday hunger and provides enriching activities for young people, has helped families across the city since 2016.
And we need the help of big-hearted readers to make sure as many children as possible experience the magic of the festive season. Around 17,000 school pupils in Bristol receive free school meals, representing one of the highest levels in England1.
Amy Kington, CEO of Community of Purpose, said: “As we approach Christmas, households across the city face 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.”
Appeal for business and public support
“We’ve seen first-hand the positive impact of Break Free on Bristol’s young people, and we want to do something special this Christmas,” Amy added.
“Many of these children wouldn’t otherwise get to experience the joy of a festive meal or party, and with the public’s support, we can change that. We’re asking people across the city to help us make a difference and bring hope to Bristol’s most disadvantaged kids this Christmas.”
Impact of Break Free on people’s lives
Local parent Teressa Ince has experienced first-hand how transformative Break Free can be for young people.
Her children Alfie (10) and Amber (six) previously struggled with bullying and low confidence. Break Free has given them a chance to make lasting friends and enjoy new experiences in a positive, safe and inclusive environment.
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 that she realised it was an ongoing programme.
Since then, her children have been regular attendants at sessions throughout the year and have reaped the benefits of the Break Free team’s tailored support.
Teressa said: “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.”
The hot meals served daily, and varied programme of activities arranged by Break Free are a big hit with the kids. Alfie is a fan of swimming and ice-hockey, and Amber enjoys visits to Lawrence Weston Community Farm and Puxton Park. Teressa is particularly grateful for the workshops, skills-building sessions and daytrips provided for the children, which would not otherwise be available to many families due to the high 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?”
Calling on Bristol for support
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.”
How to get involved
To find out more about how you can support the Break Free programme and help raise £25,000 by Christmas, visit https://www.givengain.com/project/bristol-christmas-campaign.