A North Belfast charity says it's unable to meet demand for its annual winter appeal and fears many families are facing a bleak Christmas.
That's the sobering message from the team behind Mental Health Movement (MHM) who say more local families than ever face not being able to afford to buy food and gifts this festive season.
Mental Health Movement (MHM) was set up by Ardoyne man Caoimhin McNulty in 2019 to address the growing rates of suicide and poor mental health. The fully youth led organisation was founded on the idea that young people are more likely to listen to other young people about mental health.
READ MORE: NI couple spreading festive cheer to those spending Christmas Day alone
READ MORE: NI's 'Tattooed Santa' sees demand soar for annual free Christmas Dinner appeal
The focus of their work is to educate young people around mental health through workshops in schools and youth clubs. MHM also delivers workshops around self confidence and drugs, harm reduction and peer support.
MHM's Annual Winter Appeal for new and pre-loved toys launched in mid-October in conjunction with North Belfast Community Foodbank. While this is only the third year of the appeal, Caoimhin told Belfast Live that it's looking like the bleakest yet.
"We have received over 140 referrals for toys, which is 30 more children than last year and way up from around 24 in 2022. This year we hoped to do even more and make this Christmas unforgettable for kids who need it most as every child deserves a gift," he explained.
"But the biggest difference we've seen this year is the people who would usually donate and had that disposable income aren't in a position to this year. It's clear that a lot more people are struggling to get by as the donations have been slower coming in."
Caoimhin added: "We are grateful for all the toy donations and financial support we've received so far but it's certainly been a more difficult appeal this year. Unfortunately the demand for this support is still higher than what we can offer.
"We had a referral for a mum-of-four having to pick her heating, food, electricity or toys for her children as she can't do it all. She's a working parent but once she deals with the gas, electric and food bills, there's no money left for toys. People who are in work are still struggling just as much and facing the choice between basic essentials and Christmas.
"Our appeal closes this Saturday and we started earlier this year thinking that it would be more manageable and we'd get everything sorted in good time. But as it stands I don't think we'll make it to everyone on our list. The food bank will be able to provide a food parcel or vouchers but it's very difficult to have to tell some of those families that we won't be able to provide toys. It's very bleak this year to be honest."
The group has been receiving donations at its office at 46 Oldpark Road (the former Oldpark Library) every Saturday over recent weeks and will be open for final drop-offs this Saturday, December 21st from 12 noon - 6pm.
Anyone able to make a donation can here directly to Mental Health Movement PayPal https://www.paypal.me/MHM500 or you can contact [email protected] for more information or to arrange a collection.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What's On newsletter.
English (United States) ·