A company who provides critical support for vulnerable young people has appealed for gift donations from the Salford community.
The Inicio Group house 90 care-leaver child (between the ages of 16-18) residents nationally, with three of them being situated in the Salford borough. They are asking for locals to lend a hand in making sure they do not go without over the festive period.
Any form of gift suited towards older teenagers is accepted, with the company also requesting any household items residents may have in excess, such as unused toiletries, socks, underwear, and hats.
Salford-based Inicio worker Danni Oswald said in a Facebook post on the ‘Salford Community What’s On NOTICEBOARD’: “In our experience, Christmas is usually a sad time for them, and it does not help that they watch their peers receiving all the presents when they are deprived of this. If they were to get something from Social Services, it is not a lot.
“This year we are a lot more desperate, as we have not had anything back from all the businesses we have reached out to.
“We would be happy to come and collect and are also able to show work ID if you want us to prove who we are.”
CEO of Ignicio David Thompson, believes cared for children between the ages of 16 and 19 are often overlooked, in Salford and beyond.
He said: “If you look at the national average, the average person leaves home at 27 years old. You look at the people who have been cared for or looked after, and they’re thrust into their own accommodation at the age of 18.
“Just because they’re 18 doesn’t mean they’re an adult, they’re still a vulnerable young person, and in most circumstances, they’re the young people who actually need more support.
“There’s reference to it being a ‘cliff edge’ of care, and it shouldn’t work that way. There should be a continuum of support.”
All donations will be shared out amongst the company’s Salford-based youngsters and their residential homes across the country.
David also stressed the importance of the public including the older teenage demographic in their Christmas donations, saying: “It’s about sustaining that family network that often they don’t have. That shouldn’t just stop at 18 or 17 or be 364 days of the year.
“We do a lot of giving back and community investment, but we also feel that it shouldn’t be just us, which is why we do this appeal. The more we get, the more they get, it goes directly to them.”
Individuals who are unsure of what to donate can access the company’s Amazon wish list.
They can also speak to the company directly by phoning 0161 418 4180, or by emailing info@inicio-group.co.uk to arrange a collection or drop off.
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