This Christmas, 316 families across Chippenham are celebrating with a little less worry thanks to our annual Christmas Voucher Scheme.
We distributed £47,300 in supermarket vouchers to local households, providing practical and timely assistance during the run up to one of the most expensive times of the year. For many families facing the pressures of rising food prices and household expenses, this support has made all the difference.
“It means me and our children will have a proper Christmas lunch this year. We’ll be able to treat ourselves without having to skimp and save. It’s allowed me to get a few gifts without the worry of finding the money.”
“It’s helped to ease some of the financial pressures of Christmas. I was able to buy a Christmas tree and some decorations as we didn’t have anything.”
Beth Gardner, our CEO, said:
“This support is about dignity and peace of mind. At a time when many families are under real strain, we’re proud to help local people face Christmas with a little less worry.”
Supporting those who need it most
The scheme reached families on low incomes or means-tested benefits, including those navigating unemployment, disability, caring responsibilities, and the aftermath of domestic abuse. Single parents, families dealing with serious illness, and those on limited benefits all found breathing space during what is often the most financially stressful time of year.
“It meant everything. As a parent of a 2.5 year old, with my partner battling a brain tumour and unable to work, this voucher makes bringing a bit of magic to my little girl’s world that bit easier.”
Demand for the scheme remained very high this year, reflecting continued cost-of-living pressures across our community.
Making support accessible
We offered in-person drop-in support sessions to help people with their applications, ensuring everyone who needed assistance could access it. Our online application process also proved particularly valuable for those who find asking for help difficult.
“I suffer anxiety and find it hard asking for help, especially face to face. To be able to do it online was great for me.”
“I would never normally ask for help as I find it really difficult to accept. I would normally have just struggled on and stretched things but this year I just haven’t been able to do that. So I had to swallow my pride and I reached out to CBLC. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
Many families used the vouchers to stock freezers with essentials, ensuring their children would be fed throughout the school holidays. Others bought their first Christmas tree or managed to add a few presents under it.
“It’s allowed me to sleep better at night knowing I’m not quite so hard up juggling all the Christmas costs. It’s an amazing scheme for local people and for myself and my family it makes all the difference.”
“It means that I don’t have to worry about buying the food over Christmas. With the kids being off school I need to make sure we have enough in for them and this has made the world of difference.”
“It meant so much to us as a family. It meant we could get Christmas dinner and a few treats without getting into debt. As an unpaid carer, like many people, times are very tough financially.”
Thank you
We’ve been blown away by the feedback from recipients and by the support from local charities, organisations, and community groups who helped spread the word about the scheme, ensuring it reached those who needed it most.
About the Christmas Voucher Scheme
The Christmas Voucher Scheme is fully funded by CBLC and has become a vital part of our ongoing support for local residents facing hardship. For more information about all our grant funding programmes, visit the Grants section of our website.
