Article Source: Quarriers
Last Updated: 22 November 2021 10:31
Christmas is billed as the ‘happiest time of the year’ but for young homeless people the reality can be very different with no delicious Christmas dinner to overindulge on, no family occasions to enjoy and no gifts to open.
Leading health and social care charity Quarriers understands how challenging life can be for these young people and has launched its annual Box of Hope appeal to support young homeless people this winter.
Now in its ninth year, the charity is appealing for donations – from as little as £2 - to help homeless young people across Scotland to receive a gift over the festive period.
On average it is estimated that £5 billion* is wasted on unwanted gifts in Britain every year with more than 21 million people receiving at least one present they do not want and Quarriers is urging people to add a young homeless person to their Christmas list this year instead.
There are three Boxes of Hope available to help to spread festive cheer by making a donation through the Quarriers website, the gifts range from:
• A £2 donation could give a young person their favourite chocolate on Christmas morning
• A £6 donation will provide a young person with toiletries such as bubble bath or shower gel to pamper and care for themselves
• A £10 donation could help to keep a young person warm with a gift which includes thermal gloves or a hat and scarf
In Scotland, almost a quarter of homeless applications are made by those aged 16-24. These young people have often been part of the care system, and may have also experienced difficult family situations and find themselves homeless as a result.
Quarriers offers young people a safe roof over their head and provides as much support as possible to help each individual with their specific circumstances. For many of the supported youngsters, the Christmas gifts from Quarriers’ Box of Hope appeal may be the only gift they receive this year.
Fiona Nicolson, Head of Service – children, families and young people for Quarriers said: “Following the trials brought by the pandemic, 2021 has undoubtedly been a difficult year for everyone. However, this is just one of the worries homeless young people have had weighing heavily on their shoulders.
“The festive period can be an incredibly difficult time for the young people we support, as it is often associated with time spent with family, a time for friends, and, of course, a time for giving.
“They may not have had family to support them during this terrible time and after months of isolation they are facing spending the festive season alone.
“Every service will be different and will closely follow the guidance as Christmas approaches. But what remains true is that Quarriers is working hard to help young people feel less alone on Christmas day.
“We are counting on the generosity of others to provide one small gift to let these young people know that someone is thinking of them and to help them to mark Christmas day against the rest of the year.”
Donations can be made at quarriers.org.uk or by calling 01505 690875.
Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!
READ MORE
Crowds turned out in Linwood to see the town's Christmas lights switched on for 2025.
READ MORE
This year, Renfrewshire along with Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and Ayrshire will join communities across the UK in hosting a 'Together at Christmas' Community Carol Service in Paisley Abbey.
READ MORE
DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.
READ MORE
The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!
READ MORE
Investment in Renfrewshire's play parks continues with work set to begin on a further six play parks.
READ MORE
The unique legacy of globally-renowned Paisley designer and artist Dr Pam Hogg will inspire the next generation of creative talent, her proud home community says.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.
READ MORE
Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.
READ MORE
A brand-new programme of free fun activities and events returns with Renfrewshire’s praised Winter Connections.
READ MORE
The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.
READ MORE
A new civic plaza, garden and events space will be created in Erskine to provide a focal point for the local community.
READ MORE
The partnership is calling on the local community to donate new children's pyjamas, ensuring every child in Renfrewshire has something cosy to unwrap this Christmas.
READ MORE
Erskine's Christmas lights have been switched on for 2025 with locals turning out to enjoy the occasion!
READ MORE
Crowds turned out in Johnstone's Houstoun Square on Saturday to see the town's Christmas lights switched on for 2025.
READ MORE
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Deco 2025, an exhibition celebrating the decorative arts, will take place in The Art Department's new home from Tuesday 2nd December until Saturday 20th December.
READ MORE
Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.
READ MORE
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORE
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.
READ MORE
Crowds turned out in Renfrew town centre on Saturday to see the town’s Christmas lights switched on for 2025!
READ MORE
Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.
READ MORE
Renfrewshire will have a brand-new active play for all ages in the heart of the town after a contract was awarded to create the new facility in the Lagoon Leisure Centre.
READ MORE
A popular tourist spot in Renfrewshire is set to benefit as more than £700,000 is invested in a new cycle hub, information kiosk, public toilets and landscaping improvements.
READ MORE
From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!
READ MORE
Towns across Renfrewshire will officially mark the start of the festive season as the Christmas lights are due to be switched on over the coming weeks.
READ MORE
Crowds headed to Paisley town centre to mark the beginning of the festive season at the town's annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event.
READ MORE