Salvation Army Northern Ireland Christmas gift appeal calls for more support for teenagers

The Salvation Army in Northern Ireland are calling for more support for teenagers in need as part of their annual Christmas Family Appeal.

The annual appeal has been running for over 44 years and hopes to help many families struggling to provide gifts for children at Christmas. It aims to support those who need it most, and with the ever-increasing cost of living, demand for support from this year’s appeal is expected to be at a record high.

Last year The Salvation Army Family Appeal at Christmas, along with other donors, helped over 2,000 families (more than 5,000 children) across Northern Ireland.

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Noticing that the majority of gifts being donated are for younger children, this year The Salvation Army are putting a particular focus on gifts for teenagers, with a local mum who volunteers for the charity compiling a 'smart' buying list for the age groups.

Speaking to Belfast Live, lead for The Salvation Army Family Appeal at Christmas, Major Jacqueline Wright, said: "We are very fortunate that the general public in Northern Ireland are very generous people, and we receive gifts from firms, individuals, and schools. We try as best we can to match up the gifts we receive with the requests that have been made with those who have applied for help.

"Every year we have loads of toys for younger children, because it's nice to go and buy a teddy or cute toys, but it's always difficult when it comes to those teenage age groups. We're trying our best to highlight there are groups of teenagers who desperately need to be helped as well."

Social Work Service Manager at The Salvation Army's Thorndale facility, Dawn Richardson, works with families of all shapes and sizes, with children of all age groups, each day. She said each year the impact of help provided from the Christmas appeal is evident in easing stresses and pressures for families in need.

Applications for support are primarily made to The Salvation Army through social workers, health visitors, schoolteachers and other professionals. Then the process begins, enabling The Salvation Army to provide help where needed.

Dawn said: "A lot of the families we work with are facing challenges in the family in terms of relationships and stability, and stresses at Christmas time can make those feel more significant. For families who get an opportunity to come together, even if it's a gift or activity that brings that family closer together, that's a lot of the work we do with families to try and build those connections.

"They've all had a range of traumas throughout their own lives and with the current financial climate, life is difficult and coming towards Christmas time, for families with children it is difficult. We see the stress levels increasing around Christmas time by all of society's pressures, and activities that may cost a lot of money, as well as the cost of heating your home and feeding your family; sometimes there's not enough left for the gifts children may be looking for."

As for the particular appeal for gifts for teenagers, Dawn added: "In previous years we've found the younger children get the most help and support from donations. I know it feels a bit more tricky to select something for a teenager, we've seen some experience of teenagers in families where they're already feeling a bit isolated in life, and sometimes the real scarcity of gifts for teenagers can make the disconnect within families feel a bit more significant for them.

"Gifts don't have to be expensive, they can be little things, teenagers still love to open a goodie bag, gift box, or a stocking. Whether it's cosy jammies, hoodies, and things like that - it's lovely for them to have gifts targeted to them, and that someone was thinking of them at Christmas time.

"Some of the feedback is the sense they've been thought about as a family, that there's a gift under the tree for everybody, and it's not just a selection box - it's something that shows the older child they've been thought about."

The Salvation Army's Christmas appeal relies on the general public to ‘Be A Star’ and donate gifts, as well as the support of volunteers who work at The Salvation Army churches on arranged days. New and unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at all Salvation Army churches and centres across Northern Ireland, as well as some Tesco stores until December 16. Look out for The Salvation Army ‘Be A Star’ donation banks located at the stores.

The Salvation Army 'smart' gift guide for teenagers

Local mum Sharon Higginson has compiled a gift list for teenagers as part of the appeal:

Earbuds (no need for expensive brands. Can be bought online and high street stores from between £7 and £10)

Lego (anything from age 9/10 up. It's a starting age and going on experience my 13 year old loves all lego from that age range up to adult. Lego can be quite expensive but Black Friday sales have already started and some stores have 10/20% off lego. I always remind friends and family that girls like lego as well and there are some great sets perfect for girls).

Snoodies (soft and cuddly, speaks for itself)

Toiletry/smelly/pamper gifts sets (loved by both boys and girls. Check out high street stores for offers including 3 for 2 on gifts and some gift ranges are 50% off as well as gift sets by 50% at start of December

Make up check out range of offers from buy 3 get 3 free. Sets which are 40% off, £5 Friday and £10 Tuesday as well as make up sets which are 3 for 2.

Craft sets

Board Games

Jigsaws

Books

Hats

Scarves

Gloves

Stocking filler ideas:

Face masks

Make up wipes

Shower Gel (boys and girls)

Beauty blenders

Deodorant (boys and girls)

Socks (boys and girls)

Small pocket puzzles(usually good for boys)

Hand warmers (boys and girls)

Mini face scrub mats

Toothbrush (boys and girls)

Toothpaste (boys and girls)

Members of the public and businesses are also encouraged to make a donation online through the JustGiving page by clicking here.

For further information visit The Salvation Army website here, call (028)9067 5000 or email [email protected].

Video by Belfast Live videographer Harry Bateman.

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