Christmas hamper project 2025

Children and Family Health Devon’s annual Christmas hamper project is back for its sixth year, continuing to bring warmth and support to young people and care leavers across Devon and Torbay. This initiative, which started in 2020, has grown tremendously thanks to the unwavering generosity of our supporters. Each year, the project provides essential items and thoughtful gifts that make a real difference, bringing joy and comfort to those who need it most.

In 2020, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, a small team of children in care nurses launched this project as a way to bring some festive cheer to care experienced young people across Devon. What started as a modest initiative has now grown into a crucial support system for over 500 care leavers, some of whom are parents, living in emergency accommodation, or young people in isolation or at risk of isolation. Many are young asylum seekers with no family in the UK, as well as those in our 16+ accommodation.

We are incredibly fortunate to have the support of our colleagues in Devon and Torbay social care, charity organisations, local businesses, and the countless individuals who have donated generously. This collaboration allows us to pack and deliver hampers to care leavers both in Devon and beyond.

How you can help

Your support truly makes a lasting difference. Donations via our JustGiving page play a vital role in helping us provide these hampers, but we also warmly welcome physical contributions. If you’d prefer to donate items, we’d be especially grateful for toiletries, soft blankets or large soft towels.

To arrange a drop-off, feel free to get in touch with us. You’ll also be able to use our Amazon wish list, which will be launched closer to the time, or contact our team directly if you’d like to make a donation (dpt.openup@nhs.net).

To find out more and to donate, please visit our just giving page: