Help spread Comfort and Joy in West Northants this Christmas

27 November 2023

People in West Northamptonshire are being asked to help spread comfort and joy this Christmas by donating items to those in need.

Organised by the Community Safety team at West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), the Comfort and Joy campaign aims to provide gifts, treats and essential items such as food and toiletries to help vulnerable families and those staying in refuges.

Many women, men and children who flee domestic abuse do so quickly and may have no personal items with them at all. The campaign is asking for donations to bring comfort and joy to those vulnerable families this Christmas.

Donations can be made at West Northamptonshire Council’s offices at the Abbey Centre in Daventry, The Forum in Towcester, and the receptions at The Guildhall and One Angel Square, as well as at Daventry Police Station.

The deadline to donate items is 12pm on Friday, 16 December.

All of the items donated will go directly to local people living in refuges and other vulnerable families in West Northamptonshire this Christmas.

These donations will be distributed between Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service (NDAS), Eve and Home Start.

It’s a really sad reality that not everyone is going to have a merry Christmas. In fact, the season can heighten the anguish of domestic abuse or trauma.

The donations can be practical, they can be whimsical, but most of all we want them to send a message that your community wants to support you at this special time of year. Please get involved and help to spread a little comfort and joy this Christmas.Cllr David Smith, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement, and Regulatory Services

All donations must be brand new and unwrapped. Suggested donations include:

Comfort donations

• soap
• body wash
• shampoo and conditioner (for adults, children and babies)
• deodorant
• sanitary products
• nappies and wipes
• toothbrush/paste for adults and children

Joy donations

• perfume/aftershave
• hats and scarves
• make-up
• toys
• books
• arts and crafts

Food donations

• mince pies
• tea and coffee
• chocolates
• cereal
• dry pasta
• baby food

Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service 24 hour helpline - 0300 0120 154.

Eve – 01604 230311

Voice – 0300 303 1965

In an emergency please call the police on 999.