Help disadvantaged young people

Lincolnshire Co-op's Louth Travel branch is supporting Lincolnshire County Council’s Leaving Care service, which helps care experienced young people aged 16-25 on their journeys to adulthood.

The service works with these young people to teach them important life skills like how to get themselves to school, maintain tenancies or run a household, as well as providing practical support by gifting food hampers or supporting with driving lessons.

Leaving Care Team Manager Rebecca Harris (pictured above, left) says the number of people they support is not proportionate to the donations they receive, so they are reliant on schemes such as Lincolnshire Co-op's Secret Santa.

Rebecca said: “When I joined five years ago there was around there was around 700 people in our care, and this has now increased to over 1,000.

“We’re so grateful for every gift we receive. Our young people are juggling rent and the cost of living, so for them to receive donations like food essentials, bedding, toiletries and gadgets can make a massive difference.”

Some of the young people are parents themselves, with Rebecca describing it as a “privilege” to also be corporate grandparents. Part of the service’s core offer is helping their users parent their children, and it’s currently setting up parent groups to teach how to ween babies and encourage good sleeping habits.

“Our young people are incredible parents,” Rebecca said. “Thanks to the toy appeal, not only do they receive a gift, but their babies and children do too, making Christmas even more magical.”

Rebecca built her relationship with the travel branch when she booked a holiday to Scotland with branch manager Rachael Bilcliffe (pictured above, right). After a discussion about Rebecca’s role, and the importance of supporting care experienced young people, Rachael wanted to help make a difference to those in Rebecca’s care.

“Our young people have benefited greatly from not only the generosity of the local community, but also the kindness of Rachael and her incredible branch,” Rebecca said.

“There aren’t enough words to thank those who have donated; it means so much, and the joy the service brings is unbelievable. The most important part of our service is we love and care for young people like a parent and, when they receive a gift from someone they’ve never met, the community is showing them that they’re valued.”