Christmas has come early for tenants in Nottingham who have been given a selection of treats thanks to Family First.
Family First has donated Christmas presents to 45 residents who take part in its tenancy support scheme. Tenants chose to receive either a Christmas hamper piled high with festive goodies, High Street vouchers, or tickets to see a pantomime.
The hampers include chocolate selection boxes, a Christmas pudding, a traditional Yule log, mince pies as well as canned goods and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Christine Ricketts, Senior Tenancy Support Worker, said: “Christmas is such an exciting and fun time of year, but can be a time of anxiety, leaving people worried about how to meet the extra costs of food and presents.
“Family First is delighted to provide our tenancy support service users with these gifts which will help towards the cost of the festive season, and we would like to wish them all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.”
One of the residents, Sally-Anne Ralph, of Lenton, Nottingham, chose the hamper and is now looking forward to sharing the tasty treats with her family.
Sally-Anne said: “I am really going to enjoy the hamper that has been given to me by Tenancy Support. I have enjoyed having Tenancy Support from Family First and my support worker is lovely, just like Santa! A big thank you to Family First.”
Tenancy support offers free advice on managing debt, dealing with rent arrears, furnishing a home and running a household budget to people who may find managing a tenancy challenging.
Residents can be a tenant of any landlord (council, housing association or private sector), in the Nottingham City Council area.
Family First currently has a fleet of six vans which travel around Nottinghamshire collecting donations from the general public and businesses.
The donations are then checked, cleaned and reconditioned, before being distributed where they are needed most by a team of 65 volunteers. There is an administration charge of £10 for the provision of furniture items.
Non-essential items and a selection of electrical goods are sold at low cost through the Family First charity shops, and income is reinvested in the service.
Anyone looking for low-cost Christmas gifts should pop along to the shops at Alfred Street North, St Ann’s, and Low Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield.
Donations of good quality household items and children’s equipment are always welcome. To arrange a collection of furniture call FREEPHONE 0800 013 0497.