Help Support Care Leavers This Christmas – Fair Ways Care Leavers Appeal 2025

As the festive season approaches, Fair Ways is proud to launch our 2025 Care Leavers Appeal, inviting schools, businesses, and our wider community to come together in support of young people who have left care.

Each year, Fair Ways supports young people as they take their next steps toward living independently after growing up in care. For many, this transition can be both exciting and daunting – and the Christmas period can feel especially isolating without the family networks most of us take for granted.

Our Care Leavers Appeal aims to make a difference by providing backpacks filled with essential and festive items for care leavers across Portsmouth and the surrounding area. These backpacks contain practical items like toiletries, hats and gloves, as well as small treats to remind young people that they are cared for and remembered.

In 2024, with the help of our amazing community, we filled over 100 backpacks, which were distributed through Portsmouth City Council to local care leavers. This year, we hope to reach even more young people, and we need your help to do it.

There are two simple ways you can support the appeal:

Fundraising
Host a fundraising event or activity to raise money for the purchase of backpack items. From Christmas jumper days to bake sales or non-uniform days, every contribution helps us make a tangible difference.

Donations
Alternatively, you can donate items directly to go into the backpacks. Suggested items include:

• Thermal hats, gloves, scarves and socks
• Toiletries (shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, toothpaste etc.)
• Reuseable water botte, or coffee cup
• Gift vouchers (Amazon, Costa, Tesco etc.)
• Festive treats (chocolates, sweets, biscuits)
• Manicure set, hot water bottle, hair/face masks and card holders

Join Us in Making a Difference

By taking part in the Fair Ways Care Leavers Appeal, you can help ensure that care leavers receive not only practical support but also a message of compassion and belonging during the festive season.

To donate directly to the campaign, please visit https://gofund.me/416b1a0a5.

Together, we can bring hope, dignity, and festive cheer to care leavers this Christmas.

Thank you for helping make a difference.