Two Tees Valley social enterprises have welcomed donations which will support those suffering from poverty and social isolation this Christmas.
LilyAnne’s and Nite Light CIC have both received £1,000 after Esh Construction teamed up with Home Group to identify charities seeking support in the Hartlepool area.
The donation to Nite Light CIC will provide 10-months’ worth of food supplies for a new, free market stall which will be located outside of LilyAnne’s in Hartlepool town centre. Food will be purchased via a Fareshare subscription and distributed free of charge to those in need.
LilyAnne’s is a not-for-profit coffee bar which aims to reduce the feelings of loneliness and create companionship through weekly workshops and sessions to improve mental health. They will use the funding to create Christmas hampers for those experiencing loneliness over the festive period.
Esh Construction is currently working in partnership with Home Group to refurbish empty properties into supported accommodation for those leaving homelessness services or domestic violence services.
Esh Contracts Manager, Shawn Clark, said: “While working in Hartlepool on a project which is specifically aimed at those who are more vulnerable in society, we wanted to give something back to the community.
“We are delighted to provide this donation to both Nite Light and LilyAnne’s who are already supporting the new residents of these properties and will continue providing much-needed support for the Tees Valley communities, particularly through the difficult winter period.”
Nadia Gibany, Director at Nite Light CIC, said: “We already run a free market stall in Middlesbrough which has been a great success, and now this funding from Esh has allowed us to set up a permanent free stall in Hartlepool. Anyone who is considered in need, whether they are homeless, working or pensioners, can use the market stall to access free food and essential items. Nearly 40 people used the new stall on its first day.”
Stephen Hatfield, Senior Client Services Manager at Home Group, said: “As a team, we decided that both LilyAnne’s and Nite Light CIC were extremely worthy causes as they’ve been instrumental in supporting people living in our Move On service since it opened.
“This is our way of giving something back to two fantastic charities, and we’ve also made a donation to Cash for Kids in order to support children and young people this Christmas who are affected by poverty, abuse, neglect, life-limiting illness, and those who have additional needs.”
While working in Hartlepool on a project which is specifically aimed at those who are more vulnerable in society, we wanted to give something back to the community.
“We are delighted to provide this donation to both Nite Light and LilyAnne’s who are already supporting the new residents of these properties and will continue providing much-needed support for the Tees Valley communities, particularly through the difficult winter period.”
