PERENNIAL, the charity for people in horticulture across the UK, is ready to offer some festive support to families and individuals this Christmas who are feeling the festive strain or struggling with unexpected or life changing events such as redundancy or health issues.
The charity is offering people who work in or are retired from horticulture and are struggling financially this Christmas with up to £100 worth of supermarket vouchers. They can be used to help with food and presents for children who would otherwise go without. Perennial is also reminding everyone in horticulture about their wide-ranging tailored, one-to-one support this Christmas.
Julia Hayne, Director of Services at Perennial, says: “Christmas should be a time of fun and festivities for everyone working in horticulture but often the reality is very different which can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety and loneliness. Many people feel added pressure at this time of year with more demands on their already stretched financial resources, anxiety about meeting everyone’s expectations or feelings of isolation from those around them. If you are struggling in the lead up to Christmas, you’re not alone. Please get in touch with us to find out how we can support you and your family.”
People find themselves in need of help for any number of reasons including redundancy, illness, injury, family bereavement or another life-changing event. This Christmas Perennial can help towards extra food costs or gifts for children who would otherwise go without and can also help people access other sources of support depending on their situation. Julia Hayne continues:
“During the festive period and beyond we can help with budgeting advice, managing debt, accessing statutory financial support and we work with other local sources of voluntary support. No-one should feel alone or unsupported at Christmas and we’re calling on the whole industry to be a ‘festive friend’ and help us reach everyone in need this year.”
Perennial relies on the support of the industry to continue offering tailored one-to-one support. If you or your company would like to make a difference this Christmas, visit perennial.org.uk/festivefriend for more information.
If you, or someone you know, works in horticulture and needs a festive friend, contact Perennial in confidence on 0800 093 8543, email services@perennial.org.uk or request support online at perennial.org.uk/festivesupport