Small Yorkshire Charities that Need Your Support this Christmas
Give a gift that matters this Christmas
Candlelighters
Based in: Leeds
What they do: Candlelighters were our first ever Changing Lives charity in Yorkshire (we spoke to them in 2010). Each year, around 150 children in Yorkshire are diagnosed with cancer and Candlelighters have been helping children with cancer and their families since 1976.
How to help this Christmas: This year’s Christmas cards have been delivered to the Candlelighters offices. There are more than 15 designs to choose from on their website, and by buying the cards you’ll be helping to support children with cancer. You can also make a donation, fundraise and volunteer with the charity.
candlelighters.org.uk
Dementia Forward
Based in: Harrogate
What they do: They support people affected by dementia across North Yorkshire via a range of services including wellbeing activities.
How to help this Christmas: Instead of buying a present for someone, you can donate to Dementia Forward in their name. You can also sign up to Amazon Smile. Every time you shop on Amazon they will make a donation to Dementia Forward, and it won’t cost you a penny. Find their latest fundraising events online.
dementiaforward.org.uk
Encephalitis Society
Based in: Malton
What they do: They offer all-important support for anyone affected by encephalitis, all over the world. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain caused by an infection (such as measles, flu or, recently, Covid-19) or through the immune system attacking the brain in error.
How to help this Christmas: Having spread the word about Encephalitis at Living North’s Christmas Fair, the charity need your continued support. Clare Florist have created a special bouquet of flowers, perfect to give as a gift, with 10 percent of the sale price going directly to the Encephalitis Society. You can also add them as your selected charity on Amazon Smile.
encephalitis.info
Latch
Based in: Leeds
What they do: Latch stands for Leeds Action to Create Homes. They refurbish derelict and run-down houses in the Chapeltown, Harehills and Burley areas of Leeds to provide supported housing for people who are homeless or in housing need.
How to help this Christmas: This year Latch celebrated a milestone – their 100th home in Leeds. This winter you can help them raise a target of £3,000 to buy much-needed winter items to help their tenants keep warm in the colder months by donating and fundraising.
latch.org.uk
Read More: How to Have a More Conscious Christmas
TheRockinR
Based in: Wakefield
What they do: They provide interactive Medical Gaming Carts with the latest technology for sick children and young people in hospitals.
How to help this Christmas: TheRockinR are continuing to deliver Xbox carts to hospitals, which face their busiest times over the colder months. To support them you can fundraise and donate (find out how online).
therockinr.org.uk
The Sleep Charity
Based in: Doncaster
What they do: They are a national, award-winning charity helping everyone get a better night’s sleep with expert knowledge, resources and accredited training.
How to help this Christmas: Sleep deprivation can have a serious impact on emotional, physical and mental health. This Christmas you can support The Sleep Charity by donating, fundraising and volunteering, and if you’re struggling with sleep you can make the most of their services by taking their courses.
thesleepcharity.org.uk
Yorkshire Children’s Trust
Based in: Halifax
What they do: They help children and their families cope with the emotional and financial strain of life-changing illnesses.
How to help this Christmas: Santa and the team at Yorkshire Children’s Trust will be providing their annual grotto experience at Calderdale Royal Hospital for in-patients on the children’s ward which includes a story read by Santa himself. Plus, their Christmas Present Appeal is now live. Every year, the team visit local hospitals with sacks of presents for children on the wards. You can help by donating one or more gifts to their appeal (new and unwrapped and under £15 in value).
yctrust.uk
Read More: How You Can Support North East Charities Helping Others This Christmas
Martin House Children’s Hospice
Based in: Wetherby
What they do: They provide family-led hospice care free of charge for children and young people with life-limiting illnesses.
How to help this Christmas: As well as visiting their shops (which are Yorkshirewide) whilst Christmas shopping, you can also order their Christmas cards online. With 12 festive designs to choose from, they’re £3.50 for a pack of 10.
martinhouse.org.uk
Spirit of Christmas
Based in: Selby
What they do: They promote education, family and community interaction through projects throughout the year, such as their Lego-themed coffee mornings.
How to help this Christmas: With their Banana Box Toy Project, they provide toys to disadvantaged families to promote learning and the development of social skills in children. Their Christmas parties bring joy and community spirit and their Christmas Toy Bank provides free toys so that no child wakes up on Christmas Day without a present. Find out how you can help and donate online.
spiritofchristmas.org.uk
Simon on the Streets
Based in: Leeds, Bradford and Kirklees
What they do: They deliver outreach on the streets to the homeless community and those who are most vulnerable in Leeds, Bradford and Kirklees.
How to help this Christmas: Following the success of Simon’s Big Sleep Out, the charity are now looking to their Starlight Ball at the newly refurbished Queens Hotel, Leeds on Saturday 26th November. There’ll be carols and festive songs to get you in the Christmas spirit, an auction, a three-course meal, a live band and prizes, all in support of the charity.
simononthestreets.co.uk
