December has proved to be a busy end to the most bizarre year. 

Christmas Connection
This year, thanks to the DCM Christmas Connection scheme, we have been able to provide presents to 17 parents we work with, for their children this Christmas. 

Christmas Hampers
We were successful with a small pot of funding from Western Power which allowed us to create these fab festive hampers for the individuals and families we support, and we were able to stretch the funding out to be able to also make some smaller hamper bags for those being supported by our colleagues at Ashiana through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) in the city.  Excitingly, 45 hampers/bags were distributed this week.

In addition to the hampers, some lovely locals, who were directed to us by the Derby Women’s Centre, donated toiletries and other bits that we were able give away with the hampers.

​For many of those we support this will be the only gift they receive this Christmas and we want them to know they are valued and remembered this Christmas.

“Thank you so much for the Christmas present, my kids will be very happy. I feel happy to.
​You are the only ones who think about us. I appreciate everything you do for us.  Thank you…”

​Christmas Craft Support

We have not been running face to face group sessions since March, so after much planning and preparing for COVID safe sessions, we ran a couple of craft support sessions in December, including some wreath making one week.
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The aim of these sessions was to reduce isolation and boost mental wellbeing through activities and the opportunity to be together. Despite the masks and the distance, these were relaxing and enjoyable sessions.

Funding
We had a great first fundraising initiative in December, raising £12,600 through the Big Give Christmas Challenge. We were also successful with 4 grants in December that we will be telling you more about in the coming months. This will help us to continue to support individuals and their families in 2021... Individuals like "Jenny", who you can read about in our latest Newsletter.
 
We could not have achieved the above without the support of many of you!
Thank you for all your support – whatever it might have been this year. We want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and we are hopeful for a better 2021!