Give a Child a Gift This Christmas

This Christmas Lincolnshire Action Trust (LAT) is asking individuals and businesses to consider donating, or contributing towards, respite activities and experience days for children who are affected by a relative’s substance use.

The charity is currently providing support, guidance and encouragement for over 30 young people in Lincolnshire aged five to 18 years through its Young Oasis project.

During the school holidays, the charity runs respite activities to give young people an opportunity to meet others who are in a similar situation and reduce the isolation they feel, which often worsens over the Christmas period.

“Being able to offer respite activities to young people accessing our support is an important part of the work we do,” said Kim Thompson, Senior Practitioner at Young Oasis.

“We recognise the challenges faced by young people who live with, or care about, a drug or alcohol user and understand that this can be difficult to talk about.

“Christmas can be an especially difficult time for young people – many of them have to take on additional responsibilities at home when caring for a parent, guardian or relative who uses substances.

“We’re hoping that with the generous support from the local community, we’ll be able to give our young people an opportunity to choose how they would like to spend some of their time in the school holidays.

“Gifting them a day out will help them to realise that they are not alone and to meet others who may be in a similar situation. It also gives them a chance to have fun!”