THE TOPE PROJECT CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

Christmas 2021

 

The Mission

We are a volunteer run project which aims to help reduce the feelings of loneliness among young people who have been in care and now are care leavers ( people who have left the care system16-28). We are named in memory of a 23-year-old care leaver who took his own life. His death had such a profound impact on his friends that the group decided to use the energy of his life and be there for others so that no one feels alone in this way.

Our motto is “turning pain into positivity”. We create a safe, welcoming space and bring people together to simply have fun, eat good food, build meaningful authentic connections and feel the love!

This is what Christmas is about!

 

The Journey of Christmas for Care leavers

We created the UK’s first large scale Christmas Day event in 2012 for young care leavers and created a ‘How to guide’ which inspired people around the country and beyond to set up similar events. Following successful events from 2012 to 2020, this year in London, we are preparing to support around 150 young people to receive a special Christmas hamper as well as make sure they are connected to others. Although Covid-19 has impacted on our ability to physically connect we will attempt to support young people virtually, through phone calls, Zooms, letters with love, hampers and food parcels to try and see if we can strike the balance.

 

Who are we?

Our team of volunteers is made up of care leavers, careing community members, young people, and professionals from many third and public-sector organisations. This was the first collaborative project of its kind and its run by care leavers for care leavers.

 

Why do we do it?

When it works, care can be a haven away from an unsettled upbringing. However, once having left care, that security is swiftly taken away.

One of our founders, Jerome, who is himself a care leaver and was a close friend of Topé, describes his experiences:

“When you are living by yourself, everything is so much more difficult, and you really are alone. Generally, Care leavers can seem to be alright when you are in care, as you still have someone there and the responsibility of a local authority. But when you leave, that’s when your so-called ‘corporate parents’ disappear and you have to deal with the whirlwind of emotions alone.”

“I think that’s why my friend felt like there was no one – even when people are physically there, sometimes you don’t feel like they are, as you can become trapped in your own experience and sometimes that can create self-sabotaging thoughts and feelings.”

“The Topé Project is about giving long lasting memories the [young people] can laugh about, so you can ask how their day was and they can say ‘yeah, it was great’. Also they can think life is worth living and realise they are not alone in their experiences and many other care leavers are going through the same thing as them.”

“Our project is agenda free and about the power of time, space and human connection.”

 

What young people say

Our past events were amazing days filled with fun, laughter and happy memories. Here’s what some of our guests said:

"That warm welcome I got in my first year stayed with me throughout 2019... The love in the room is overwhelming. I hope what I feel today stays with me for a long time."

"My mum doesn't want me so I suppose I would have slept all day with a bellyache, but you treated me to food, drink, presents and conversation though I have done nothing to deserve it. I really was surprised by all the kindness I received today. Thank you very much."

“Best Christmas I have ever had, better than I could have had alone. I’ve never been anywhere where the people are so nice. I woke up feeling happy for the first time in a week.”

“Today I actually felt I was someone that I deserved a bit of love for once, normally I would be alone but now I am with people who do actually care and looking forward to the new year, I feel there is hope.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How will this year be adapted for 2021?

 

Hampers

We will be working alongside other charities and companies to provide 150 Hampers for Care leavers across London (16-28) who will be referred through communities, self-referrals and organisations in the sector..

 

Letters of love

Added to the Hampers will be special letters written from random heroes to motivate, inspire and let careleavers know they are thought about in these Lonely times.

 

Food parcels

A food parcel will be prepared for Young people and delivered along with the hampers.

 

 

 

 

 

Online zooms

Online zooms will be created for young people through-out Christmas day to engage so people have someone to talk to. Other projects will be mapped to help direct young people to tese projects also.

 

Connection calls

If requested phone calls will be made to have connection calls to engage with those who would like a conversation with DBS cleared Volunteers – young people will be directed to a phone line called listening works if they need a chat.

 

 

 

Our partners and donors

The Topé Project is entirely sustained by volunteers and our generous donors and partners.

Last year’s event was made possible because a community organisation partnered with us and helped us deliver the magic(Hillsong), food was donated which was cooked up into a delicious feast by wonderful chefs, and companies including, Frontline, the Department for Education, UK fostering, borough market, Fare share and many other great people supported us.

 

We want to Honour our previous supporters such as;

Tesco, Mars, Tottenham foundation, Arsenal foundation, Premier league, Argos, Marks and spencer’s, Waitrose, Ted Baker, Tiger, Gumball 3000, some voices and tax 3 just to name a few and many more companies who have helped us create beautiful moments.

 

We couldn’t do it our committed volunteers;

These amazing hearts and heroes have helped create beautiful moments with Love over the years that have filled us with energy and made us leave in tears of joy, in the true spirit of Christmas

you all Rock!!

 

 

 

How you can support us

Firstly, Spread the love, we need love to ripple in a time like now so we turn the negative energy into positive, so we ask for all to look out for people and become aware of your immediate surroundings.

 

Raise awareness or start your own project as we cannot do this alone.

 

For our project specifically we are currently fundraising to cover the cost of hampers, food packages, delivery for gifts and preparation of online content.

We need to raise £10,000 so all participants can feel the benefits and any extra support needs can be adapted to make the day special.

To volunteer your time or find out further please email [email redacted]

Donations of gifts suitable for young adults and items that will help us make the Hampers even more special and are also gratefully received.

Find us in the press:

 

www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/christmas-doesnt-have-to-be-lonely-for-care-leavers-8386649.html www.guardian.co.uk/social-care-network/2012/dec/20/christmas-care-leavers-reminded-family http://www.channel4.com/news/care-leavers-christmas-shalyce-lawrence-top-project

Contact us:

www.thetopeproject.org | [email redacted] (website currently down)

Twitter and Facebook: @TheTopeProject