Portsmouth's charitable Comfort and Joy appeal continues to change lives

As the Comfort and Joy campaign comes to a close, with all of the donations being distributed to the charities that are involved on December 16, Catherine Booth House has commended people across the city for their kindness.

Reverend Bob White of St Marys said: ‘The scheme has two elements – the gathering of vouchers or gift cards for £5 so that those who receive them can chose what they have the sharing of a Christmas card and a personal message, recognising our common humanity.’

Catherine Booth House, run by the Salvation Army, seeks to help families in the city that are vulnerable who have high support needs and face homelessness. They help people who have been referred to them from the Portsmouth City Council and offer a number of support services including 21 self contained flats for people needing help.

The charity have said how the gift card donations make a big difference to the people they support as it gives them the opportunity to buy something for themselves or treat family members.

Gillian Suckley, service manager at Catherine Booth House, said: ‘What I would say right now, and this is from one of the families in our service. I think sometimes when times are really difficult and people feel that no one cares and everything is against them, knowing and receiving kindness in any form, that means so much to them and reminds them that there is kindness out there and there are people that care.

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‘The support reminds them they are cared about, they are loved and they are human like the rest of us.’

The service have been part of the campaign for years, and Gillian said that this year, the donations will help significantly with many of their families moving from residential to sub let homes, they are noticing the soaring prices more than most.

The Comfort and Joy Campaign is marking it’s 20th anniversary this year and by way of celebrating, they are trying to raise £20,000 this year in donations, which will take them up to a grand total of £200,000 raised over the last two decades.