Member Article

Staff spread festive cheer to families experiencing hardship

Salix Homes staff have helped raise a sleigh load of gifts for families living in temporary accommodation over Christmas.

Employees have collected more than 140 toys and presents for dozens of families in Salford and Trafford who are experiencing hardship over the festive period.

Christmas sweater fever also hit Salix Homes’ headquarters in Salford this month (December) as staff donned their novelty knitwear – raising money that will go towards gifts for the families living in temporary accommodation.

The toy appeal has been run by Salford’s Supported Tenancies Service who are managed by Salix Homes on behalf of Salford City Council. The service work hard all year around supporting people who have found themselves facing homelessness.

Many of the affected families have fled domestic violence and are often forced to leave their homes with little or no belongings.

Mike Wright, service director of Housing Choice at Salix Homes, said: “When these families come to us they are in desperate need – more than just needing a roof over their heads.

“The service is dedicated to looking after these families in what can often be the toughest period of their lives.

“Any time of the year can be tough for those families who are on the verge of homelessness, but it will be even harder at Christmas.

“So our service at this of the year try to spread a little bit of festive cheer for these families by having this appeal, because we find many children may not have a gift to open on Christmas Day.

“It’s been great to see our colleagues from across the organisation really get behind the appeal and helping these people in housing need.”

Salford’s Supported Tenancies Service is based at the Salford Housing Options Point (SHOP), the city’s one-stop shop for all aspects of housing advice, located on Wesley Street, Swinton.

Salix Homes also deliver Housing Options Service Trafford (HOST), on behalf of Trafford Council. The team are based at Sale Waterside, Sale, M33 7ZF.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Hayley Collins .