Appeal for Gifts Offers Support to Young Adults Exiting Care System

The period leading up to Christmas can be challenging for young individuals in Surrey who have transitioned out of the care system. The New Leaf service, which provides assistance to care leavers aged 16 to 25 dealing with emotional and mental health issues, reports that many of these young adults are “struggling with the rising cost of living and cannot always access food banks”. The service is requesting public donations of gifts for its Christmas Bag Project, offering the choice to select items from an online wish list. Emrald Greenidge, the clinical lead for New Leaf, stated that young individuals who previously obtained gifts via the project were “deeply moved by the generosity of others”. Ben, aged 21, commented that the contributed items represented “the first presents I have had in years”. A different care leaver expressed: “I am so grateful for my presents, I am surprised that people would donate such nice stuff.” Operated by the Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, the New Leaf service indicated that contributions would supply young people with “a bag of gifts to open on Christmas Day, reminding them that they are not alone during what can be an especially difficult time of year”. Contributions can be submitted through the service’s Amazon Wish List, which includes “items that are the most needed and which can help to brighten a person’s day”. Besides gifts, contributions of long-life food items are also required to assemble food hampers, “ensuring these young people have both festive cheer and essential supplies”. All contributions must be received by Friday 29 November, to permit sufficient time for wrapping and distribution. Gift and food contributions may be dispatched directly from Amazon or mailed to: c/o Care Leavers, Ramsay House, Richmond Crescent, Epsom, KT19 8PH. For updates, follow BBC Surrey on Facebook and on X. Story ideas can be sent to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.