The Sunshine Fund are bringing their Accessible Santa Grotto Bus to Newcastle City Centre, from Friday 5th December to Sunday 7th December, and the following week on Friday 12th December to Sunday 14th December. This is an accessible and inclusive grotto experience that is suitable for all ages and needs, including wheelchair access. Visits to Santa are free, and there is no booking required. The team are also happy to make adaptations for anyone who needs a little extra help or support to see Santa.
If you’d like to support the Sunshine Fund’s Accessible Santa Grotto Bus, you can do so by volunteering on the day. This will include collecting donations for the Sunshine Fund, and assisting with queue management. Those who want to volunteer can apply online, and can do so for a morning, afternoon or a full day. You can also donate directly to the Sunshine Fund. All donations go towards ‘supporting local children living with disabilities, additional needs and terminal illness.’
Changing Lives are returning to the Newcastle Cathedral Rectory on Friday 19th December, and serving Christmas dinner to, ‘individuals in Newcastle who would benefit [from] a warm meal, welcoming company and a supportive environment.’ The Changing Lives Christmas Meal Appeal will be held in Cafe 16, inside the Cathedral. They will also be ‘distributing food and toiletry parcels, as well as Christmas dinners, to those in their services across England.’
If you’d like to support the Changing Lives Christmas Meal Appeal, you can do so by donating £5 to the charity, which buys someone a hot meal and provides them with a warm space. Businesses and individuals can also download Changing Lives’ Festive Fundraising Pack, which is full of ways to fundraise for the charity, and posters for the events. You can also find their item request lists and drop off points for physical gifts.
This Christmas, Crisis will also be hosting an appeal which focuses on ‘building a life out of homelessness’. This will include ‘specialist housing sessions, wellbeing events and a range of enriching activities, focused on building connections with community and friends.’ Crisis are also donating festive hampers which will include clothing, toiletries and wellbeing items.
If you’d like to support Crisis and their Christmas Appeal, you can do so by volunteering your time. Crisis are currently looking for driver volunteers in Newcastle to deliver their festive hampers, as well as entertainment volunteers, and health and wellbeing volunteers who will complete health checks, massages, haircuts, nail services, and podiatrist services. You can apply for these volunteer positions online. You can also donate to the Crisis Christmas appeal.
