Appeal launched to help 700 people in trust housing feel less lonely this Christmas

DERBYSHIRE homelessness organisation Derventio Housing Trust has launched a festive appeal to ensure none of the 700 people living in its properties around the UK are forgotten this Christmas.

- By TELEGRAPH REPORTER

Derventio is appealing to members of the public and businesses to buy simple boxes of treats helping hundreds of people living in its accommodation to feel some Christmas joy this year.

Priced at £14 each, the treat boxes produced by Spicers of Hythe which has provided a generous discount are intended to ensure that people who may be facing a lonely Christmas know they have not been forgotten.

Derventio Housing Trust is providing accommodation to 700 people in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Swindon who would otherwise be homeless.

As they work to get their lives back on track, many are struggling with alcohol and drug use, have poor mental health, have suffered abuse and may have become estranged from family.

Residents have reported to the social landlord that Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for them.