Bristol-based loneliness charity Marmalade Trust has invited some of the youngest members of society to make their own creative contributions to hampers that the charity is currently putting together for people who would otherwise be on their own at Christmas.

Children who attend Mama Bear’s Day Nurseries at Crew’s Hole, Grove Leaze, Springhill Green, Long Road, Thicket Avenue and Whiteladies Road loved the idea of making festive decorations for inclusion in the hampers, and have been busy producing all sorts of Christmassy items.

Emma Cave, marketing executive with Mama Bear’s, said: “We were delighted to be asked and the children have had a lovely time making the decorations.

“We explained to the little ones that not everyone is lucky enough to be able to spend Christmas with people they love, and how special it would be for them to know the children had taken the trouble to make something beautiful for them.

“They are such generous little souls, they got a lot of pleasure from knowing that they could do something to make someone else happy.

“The team at Marmalade Trust are a fantastic bunch and do great work, which we’re very pleased to support like this.”

The charity’s Christmas Cheer events co-ordinator, Ellie Burns, said: “Thanks so much to Mama Bears for all these wonderful decorations - I just know our member's will absolutely love receiving these from the children.”

Marmalade Trust’s aim is to bring joy and companionship to people who would otherwise be alone at Christmas, often such a difficult time of year for someone struggling with loneliness. Their outreach work includes an invitation to a free festive lunch on 25 December, or a doorstep visit if members prefer, or if getting out is too challenging.

The lunches are currently held in pubs or restaurants throughout Bristol, South Gloucestershire and the North Somerset region, and each member also receives a connection doorstep visit in November and a Christmas gift.

Details about Marmalade Trust’s Christmas scheme can be seen here: https://www.marmaladetrust.org/christmas

The family-run Mama Bear’s group runs 24 day nurseries across Bristol and the South West and is known for its affordable and flexible childcare provision, giving children their first vital level of education to give them a head-start when they start at primary school.     

Further information about places for children and about career opportunities at Mama Bear’s are available at www.mamabear.co.uk