Worcester NHS team deliver Christmas gifts to deprived children

The South Worcestershire Wellbeing and Emotional Support Team (WEST), led by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, gave out the presents in efforts to fill underprivileged children with the Christmas spirit.

The work of WEST spans a number of schools across the two counties, aiding children and young people battling mental health issues.

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The team have set up an Amazon Wishlist to facilitate the donation of presents for families most in need.

The effort will lead to 150 children waking up to a gift on Christmas morning.

The team also coordinated food surplus donations.

The WEST team spent two days wrapping gifts, which were shared out among pupils at five schools across Worcester including Oasis Academy Warndon, Cranham Primary School, Hollymount Primary School, Honeywell Primary and Westlands First School.

Brogan Gibbons, operational lead for WEST in schools, said: "I am astounded at the huge success of this initiative, and we have been able to reach more families than we could have imagined.

"To be able to make a difference to so many children at this time of year has reminded myself and the whole team the real spirit of Christmas - giving to those in need."

He added: "Watching the reactions of staff when receiving the presents and hearing how this is going to help some families really is heart-warming but equally saddening.

"If it wasn’t for hearing about the efforts Miss Turner at Cranham Primary School, I wouldn’t have felt so inspired to do more.

"Between us both we have also successfully arranged at least a weekly surplus food donation to Cranham school which is now being used to ensure families can have a Christmas Dinner.

"Thank you to everyone who donated, it really has made a huge difference."