This Christmas is likely to be a very different kind of Christmas for everybody. And sadly, for many in Wigan and Leigh, instead of it being a special time to look forward to, it will be just another cause for anxiety and stress.

Parents shouldn't have to worry about how to put a meal on the table in the Christmas school holidays, but they are. They shouldn't have to choose between heating their homes this festive season and feeding their little ones, yet they are.

Families are facing real financial hardship as they struggle with losing their income, through furlough, through redundancy or through long-term unemployment. In Wigan 12,218 children aged under 16 were living in families with low incomes in 2019-20, Department for Work and Pensions data shows an estimated 19.8 per cent of all youngsters in the area. Whats even more shocking is that those figures are from before the Covid outbreak began taking its grim toll on peoples health and livelihoods. This disease is hitting those already trapped in deprivation the hardest

Make a difference this Christmas and DONATE a wish.

- Your donation will not just be giving someone a Christmas meal youll be providing warmth, shelter, food, access to coaching and other practical support from training, to employment. We will do everything we can to give some respite from the harsh realities, challenges and difficulties many face during the winter months. Your donation could provide the first steps in changing someones life.

- Your donation will not just be giving a child a toy, or a family a Christmas dinner youll be providing comfort, hope and practical support. We will be open 24/7 to chat on-line to anyone over the holiday period. Offering practical help, support and signposting to those people who feel overwhelmed or lonely. For some, Christmas could be the new beginning they need and your donation might be the first step to help change someones life.