We’re delighted to share the impact of our 2024 Christmas Voucher Scheme, which has provided £46,475 in supermarket vouchers to local families facing financial pressures this winter.
Making a Difference Together
Within just one week of launching the scheme, we received applications totalling over £50,000 – far exceeding our initial £40,000 budget. This exceptional response led us to close applications early, but we’re proud to have supported over 300 households across Chippenham with vouchers ranging from £75 to £175.
A New Approach
This year, we made significant changes to our scheme to ensure we could reach more people in need. We removed the referral requirement, allowing residents to apply directly to us. We also introduced an online application system, making the process more accessible for everyone.
Real Stories, Real Impact
The messages we’ve received from recipients powerfully demonstrate how this support makes a real difference to local lives. One elderly resident shared:
“I’m elderly and disabled, living in a one bed flat with storage heaters. Due to the cost I mostly live in one room during winter, this payment actually means I can afford to up the heating and be more comfortable this winter. I actually heated a full tank of water and had a wonderful relaxing bath, the first in 2 years as I’ve been terrified of the cost so don’t even heat the water. I boil a kettle to wash up! Thank you so much for the help.”
The scheme has been particularly meaningful for families struggling with the combined pressures of Christmas and the cost of living crisis:
“It means so much to us – as a low-income family, Christmas is always so stressful, rather than it being a time we can enjoy as a family – this voucher has given us the funds we need to be able to relax a little, and give our girls a wonderful Christmas”
Single parents have expressed particular relief:
“As a single working mum I’ve been trying to add a few extra bits to my shopping every week so I can get some treats over Christmas, I’ve always had to put the items back on the shelf as I just couldn’t afford it! Now I can fill my cupboards with food for Christmas and will leave me with a spare pounds to get bits for my children for Christmas! I am ever so thankful and grateful!”
Another parent told us:
“I was really worrying about how tight funds were for being able to provide Christmas food for myself and my daughter. The CBLC voucher has been a huge help to us and has really taken the pressure off especially with the cost of living. Thank you, this is much appreciated!”
The messages we’ve received from recipients have reinforced why this support matters so much:
“I can’t tell you how wonderful it feels to receive some positive news in such difficult times. Honestly, I am blown away. Thank you for your support and thank you for the work you do for Chippenham.”
“Thank you so much. I have been worried about Christmas and this will take the pressure off so much.”
“It was a miracle for me to receive the voucher, as I was in a not very pleasant situation. Thanks to you, I started believing in miracles again! Thank you.”
As our CEO Beth Gardner explains:
“We have been overwhelmed by the community’s response and the heartfelt messages of relief from recipients. We are proud to provide direct support to Chippenham residents. Our place-based approach, funded through long-term investments, ensures we can continue to make a meaningful difference in our community year after year.”
Looking Forward
We are closing for Christmas at 12pm on Christmas Eve and reopen at 9am on Thursday 2nd January 2035. We will continue to support local residents via our Individual Grants Programme throughout the year and are proud to play our part in supporting Chippenham residents when they need it most.
[Find out more about our Individual Grants Programme here]
