How The Ascot Group Is Helping Local Families
Christmas should be a time of warmth, fun and security. Yet many young people across North Somerset face a winter with no gifts, reduced support and growing pressure at home. This is why The Ascot Group is proud to support Every Child Needs Christmas, a children’s charity campaign helping vulnerable families across the region.
The initiative, run by the amazing Sara at The Bentley Road Baker in Wick St Lawrence, has already delivered more than 70,000 gifts to children who might otherwise have nothing to open. It is built on community kindness, practical help and a shared wish to create a brighter future for the families who need it most.
Why this children charity campaign matters
Some families face financial strain, mental health difficulties or caring responsibilities that make Christmas a challenge. A small present can offer comfort, normality and a happier childhood moment. For a vulnerable child, this simple act makes a huge impact.
A message from Andrew “Secret Santa” Scott
“At Christmas, every child deserves to feel valued. This campaign supports families going through tough times. A small act of kindness can change a child’s day, and sometimes their entire year. I’m proud our team can play a part in helping children across North Somerset.”
Andrew Scott, Founder & CEO, The Ascot Group
How The Ascot Group is supporting this Christmas children’s charity appeal
We’re taking part in four key ways:
- Opening our reception as a drop-off point for gifts.
- Donating presents as a team.
- Giving our time to organise incoming items.
- Sharing the campaign across our channels to reach more families.
Every item donated will be wrapped and delivered to families through Children’s Centres, foster families, NHS-linked teams, food banks and trusted organisations in England, Wales and Scotland. Well-known organisations such as the Children’s Society regularly highlight how simple acts of kindness can help build a brighter future for children who need extra support.
The Ascot Group team showing their support for the children charity campaign Every Child Needs Christmas, a community effort helping local children enjoy a brighter Christmas.
How you can support the campaign
There are two simple ways to help this year.
1. Choose a gift from the Amazon Wishlist
The Wishlist makes it easy to donate without uncertainty.
Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/17Z8LCDZ8BH3X
It includes toys, books, small games and heartfelt designs suitable for newborns to teenagers. You might even spot a few Father Christmas storybooks and seasonal items that help make Christmas morning feel special.
2. Drop off new, unwrapped gifts at our office
We welcome gifts for children aged 0 to 16.
Ideal value: £5–£10.
Drop-off location:
The Ascot Group
Unit 200
Worle Park Way
Weston-super-Mare
BS22 6WA
Phone: 01934 428 771
Donations can be brought to the reception during office hours and added to our growing collection pile.
The Ascot Group building acting as an official children charity gift drop-off point for the Every Child Needs Christmas campaign, local supporters can bring donations directly to help families in need.
What types of gifts are most useful?
Books, toys, puzzles, soft items, practical bits for teens and small sensory toys all help. Many people browse the Wishlist for guidance, then shop locally. It is the thought, not the cost, that matters most for each child who receives a gift.
What happens to the gifts once they’re collected?
Partner teams work with Children’s Centres, social care staff and community groups to match each gift to the right age and need. Their goal is to protect children’s wellbeing, maintain privacy and create a moment of joy. This helps families who may be dealing with financial stress, health challenges or limited mental health support.
How do charities make sure gifts reach the right children?
Partner organisations already supporting families have a clear understanding of each child’s situation. They use this knowledge to distribute gifts safely and sensitively. This avoids waste, respects each family’s circumstances and helps young people experience Christmas with dignity and inclusion.
How community fundraising helps this children’s charity
Many supporters get involved through fundraising events, small workplace collections or community-led activities. Some join secret Santa groups, take part in local Santa fun runs or raise money in other simple ways. All these actions help children’s society as a whole by drawing attention to those who need extra care and support at this time of year.
Help us bring Christmas magic to local families
Your gift, however small, helps a child feel valued, supported and remembered. For families dealing with financial stress, caring responsibilities or limited access to specialist services, this kindness matters. Together, we can help young people across North Somerset enjoy a Christmas filled with comfort, warmth and hope.
From everyone at The Ascot Group, thank you for taking the time to read, to care and to act. We’re proud to stand alongside EVERY CHILD NEEDS Christmas and the incredible volunteers who give their time and energy so local children don’t go without.
If you’d like to connect directly with the campaign, you can follow and message them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/childsxmas/ or email the team at everychildneedschristmas@gmail.com
A single gift placed in our collection box becomes a moment of joy for a child who may otherwise have nothing. If you can spare something, it will make a real difference.
