Whilst many people will be looking forward to Christmas following the pandemic troubles of the last 12 months, others are facing the worst winter season in living memory.

The challenges that the coronavirus outbreak has led to have been like no other. Lockdowns, rising unemployment, school closures, a mental health epidemic and businesses going into liquidation, means that this Christmas will be a dire time for so many households.

More people than ever before will be relying on the support of charities this December for food, clothing and financial support.

It's because of this that the new Peasedown Community Trust is launching an initiative to feed 30 of the most deprived households in Peasedown St John this Christmas.

Trust Chairman and Director, Gavin Heathcote, said: "So many people in Peasedown St John could miss out on a festive holiday this year because they don't have the money to put food on the table. A cold Christmas ahead with a family to feed, when you've lost your job, is a situation that nobody wants to be in.

Therefore, the Peasedown Community Trust is making a commitment to feed 30 households this Christmas time."

Recipients of a free Christmas meal from the Community Trust must live in Peasedown St John and meet at least one of the following criteria:

Their children receive free school meals or access Early Years 2 year funding

They have recently been made unemployed or have loss of income

They have been referred to the scheme by a Family Support Worker or another agency.

Fellow Trust Director, Karen Walker, added:

"We want to hear from anyone who needs help this Christmas time! The Trust was founded to run community projects and support those in need.

I know from my own personal experience of raising my boys back in the 90's that the role that welfare charities can play at Christmas really can make all the difference."

To register, please email [email protected] by 5pm on Monday 14th December with a) your eligibility, b) your address and c) the number of people in your household.

You will receive notification on Tuesday 15th December on details of delivery – which will take place on Christmas Eve.