'At Christmas time this little box made a big difference...'

A HOUSING Trust has launched a festive appeal to ensure that 700 formerly homeless people living in its supported accommodation are not forgotten this Christmas.

- By EVA MILLETT

Derventio Housing Trust, which provides accommodation across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Swindon, is asking the public to buy £14 boxes of treats to help residents feel included during what can be a lonely and difficult time of year.

The boxes, supplied at a discounted rate by gift hamper company Spicers of Hythe, will be hand-delivered by housing and support workers who know each resident personally.

Many of those supported by Derventio are recovering from trauma, mental ill health, substance misuse or family breakdown, and say Christmas can highlight feelings of isolation.

One resident, army veteran Richard Bateman, described how he had come to live in a Derventio Housing Trust property having "lost everything" when his life spiralled out of control.