Many things must change if we’re to end homelessness in Scotland. Since 2012, Social Bite has always pushed for innovation.
Ahead of the Scottish Parliament election, we’re launching our first manifesto. More than a political wish list, the manifesto asks every party, every leader, every MSP: stop managing homelessness. End it.
The actions we’re calling for are practical, cost‑effective, and achievable. Most importantly, they will change lives:
1. High standard homes
Ensuring Scotland’s housing stock is of a high standard and fit for purpose across all tenures, including high quality temporary supported accommodation.
2. Work as a way out
Focusing on getting people experiencing homelessness into work, with employment support and welfare systems matching individuals’ needs to retain roles and afford living.
3. Build now, build faster
Recognising that we need homes and we need them quickly. Systems and solutions need to match the level of urgency.
Social Bite’s new Edinburgh Village on Granton Waterfront has received its modular built Hub as the project progresses towards an opening date this spring.
The new Hub, the first of seven bespoke-made installations which will populate the village, will act as a communal area for villagers, with six new and improved one-bedroom ‘Nest Houses’ which have been re-designed following resident feedback due in the coming weeks.
The move along the Granton Waterfront is a relocation of the original Edinburgh Village. The move has allowed Social Bite, residents and charity partner Cyrenians to work together to reassess the design and facilities available and create living spaces which support people living there everyday based on their needs and wants.
The supported accommodation model, first launched with the Edinburgh Village in 2018, has proven successful in helping people who’ve experienced homelessness rebuild their lives in a safe, supportive community.
Charity partner Cyrenians will continue providing 24/7 support, having played a key role in helping nearly 100 residents gain skills, confidence, and reintegrate into the community to date.
Josh Littlejohn, founder of Social Bite said:“It’s brilliant to see the milestone of the brand new hub landing as the new Edinburgh village takes shape.
“We can’t wait to welcome residents to their new home.”
Amy Hutton, Director of Services at Cyrenians, said:“Part of what has made the Social Bite Village so successful is the sense of community that is built between volunteers, residents and staff.
“The Hub is vital to that sense of community – a place where people can gather, cook, socialise and relax.
“Seeing the new Hub installed down at the new location is exciting – we are looking forward to starting a new chapter providing support to Social Bite Village residents in the new location, for years to come.”
Social Bite Village – Edinburgh – Hub Delivery – 18th March 2026
Raymond Davies Photography
The hub was manufactured by Invergordon-based Ecosystems Technologies and made the long commute from The Highlands to Granton. The remaining buildings are due to arrive in April.
The Social Bite Village has received generous support from M&G plc through their Empty Spaces coalition with Habitat for Humanity, as well as from Anderson Strathearn, itison, and many incredible contributions from individual supporters.
Social Bite’s Rose Street coffee shop has officially reopened following a full renovation, bringing fresh energy to the space where a job request from a Big Issue seller sparked a national movement to tackle homelessness, back in 2012.
That moment laid the foundations for Social Bite, which has since grown into a leading social business – creating employment for people facing homelessness and significant barriers to work, becoming one of the UK’s largest providers of freshly prepared free food, and delivering supportive housing and employability programmes nationwide.
Last year alone, the organisation provided almost 159,000 free food and drink items across the UK, including around 58,000 served from the Rose Street shop. Its pioneering Social Bite Village has supported almost 100 people into stable accommodation since opening in 2018, while more than 120 people have been employed through their Jobs First programme.
The newly renovated shop reopens to the public today (Friday 6 March) and will continue its Pay It Forward programme to allow kind-hearted visitors to buy a drink or a meal for someone who needs it. Additionally, the daily free food service will return to the shop from Monday 9 March.
The transformed space has created a light, bright and welcoming environment for paying and non-paying guests. With inclusivity front of mind, the space has been carefully designed to create a better experience for all by reconfiguring the layout and launching a new high quality food and drink menu for everyone to enjoy.
A new community bookshelf, stocked with books generously donated by a corporate supporter, adds to the inclusive feel of the coffee shop, encouraging connection, conversation and a sense of belonging. The coffee shop aims to become a hub for foodies, commuters and locals with plans for a bookclub, running club and live music nights.
The reopening was marked by a ribbon-cutting from Sonny Murray, one of Social Bite’s first employees, alongside Social Bite Co-Founder Josh Littlejohn MBE, Social Bite Managing Director Mel Swan, and Mitchells & Butlers Retail Business Manager Maclain Wilson.
Sonny first came to the Rose Street shop back in 2013, accessing the free food service before asking staff for an opportunity to work – a chance that enabled him to secure accommodation and begin rebuilding his future.
He now works as a tour guide with Invisible Cities in Edinburgh, which trains and employs people with lived experience of homelessness to become professional guides, and his journey reflects the long-term impact of meaningful employment.
Speaking about the Rose Street shop, Sonny Murray said: “This shop means a lot to me because it’s where things started to change – it gave me a chance to help rebuild my life.
“It’s brilliant to see it refurbished and reopening, and I hope it encourages more people to come in, grab a coffee and support what Social Bite does.
“The more people who walk through these doors, the more opportunities there are for people like me to get back on our feet.”
Josh Littlejohn MBE, Social Bite Co-Founder, said: “It’s incredibly special to stand back in the place where this all began. Rose Street is where the idea for Social Bite as we know it first took shape, sparked by a simple question about a job.
“From that moment, we set out to prove that business can be a force for good.
“To see how far we’ve come, from one small coffee shop to supporting thousands of people across the UK with food, employment and housing support and services, is something we’re immensely proud of. Reopening this space feels like both a homecoming and a reminder of why we started.”
The renovation was made possible thanks to the generous support and time of project partners including Mitchells & Butlers, Matthew Algie, Surface ID, Donaldson Construction, WHP Quantity Surveying and YCE Catering Equipment, whose collaboration has helped create a space that truly reflects Social Bite’s mission.
Visitors to Social Bite Rose Street can expect a delicious new menu featuring breakfast and lunch options, freshly baked pastries, and expertly crafted barista drinks, including special rose flavoured additions to mark the relaunch such as the Rose Matcha, Rose Latte, and Rose Mocha.
Every purchase helps to fund Social Bite’s work supporting people who have experienced and been affected by homelessness, as well as its Pay It Forward system, which helps provide free food and drink to thousands of vulnerable people across the UK each year.
Social Bite invites the local community, businesses and visitors to come along and experience good food for a good cause, where great coffee, delicious food, and community support come together to help change lives.
The spirit of Robert Burns and his renowned concern for those encountering hardship was honoured by famous haggis manufacturer Macsween of Edinburgh Ltd, who organised a traditional Burns Supper for the Social Bite Village in Edinburgh.
The Social Bite Village Community is a supportive residential community in the Granton district of the city that provides a safe and caring home for 16 individuals who have been assessed as homeless. It was built by Social Bite and run by Cyrenians, with support, activities and administration provided by a team of dedicated staff and volunteers.
Macsween of Edinburgh Ltd, and sister company Malcolm Allan Ltd, have a long tradition of supporting charitable causes, and in recent times have frequently donated food items from their production to FareShare, an organisation that redistributes surplus food to other charities that turn it into meals.
Against this background, Macsween was quick to offer its support in organising a lunchtime Burns Supper event for both residents and staff of the Village Community, which included the donation of traditional haggis and vegetarian haggis, as well as steak pies from Malcolm Allan.
The event was a tremendous success, which included director James Macsween providing the star-turn by giving the traditional ‘address to a haggis’ at the start of the supper.
James Macsween said: “We were delighted to support the Social Bite Village, which does an incredible job in supporting homeless people in Edinburgh.
“We were especially pleased that it gave residents an opportunity to experience such an iconic part of Scottish tradition and culture, which would otherwise not have been possible.”
Josh Littlejohn, the founder of the Social Bite Village, said: “A huge thank you to Macsween for providing a Burns Night lunch at the Social Bite Village in Edinburgh. Sharing food in a safe space helps to create a sense of community and trust, which is why eating together is at the heart of our work.
“It can be something that people have never experienced before, so it’s wonderful that Macsween share our values and provided a delicious meal to bring people together in the supportive village environment.”
Scottish deal site, itison, has returned with its much loved £5 Christmas Appeal voucher which can buy a person who is vulnerable or experiencing homelessness a Christmas meal or gift this festive period with Social Bite.
The £5 vouchers have become a tradition for many kind-hearted Scots who like to give back over Christmas and help make a difference to people who are facing a challenging winter period. Since the partnership between itison and leading homelessness charity began in 2014, they have raised over £4.5 million, providing more than 700,000 people with a much needed gift or Christmas meal – which may be the only one they receive this festive period.
Despite the rise in costs across the country, Social Bite and itison have ensured that the vouchers stay at £5 to continue to reach as many people as possible.
A fiver goes further with Social Bite and itison – with just one voucher you can buy a gift for a child or individual to open on Christmas Day, a hot Christmas meal with all the trimmings, or help break the cycle of homelessness in the UK by helping to fund Social Bite’s services and its supported accommodation villages in South Lanarkshire and Edinburgh.
Social Bite Tree of Kindness
Pic Peter Devlin
Oli Norman, founder of itison, said: “So many of us take for granted that we will wake up on Christmas Day to gifts, the company of our loved ones and a filling meal in a warm, safe place – unfortunately that’s not the reality for a growing number of people in Scotland. But by purchasing a £5 Christmas Appeal voucher on itison, you can change that for someone.
“It’s hard to imagine the incredible difference even just one voucher can make to children, individuals and families who are facing a challenging Christmas. We want to support a record number of people this year, so please, get involved and let’s spread Christmas cheer!”
Josh Littlejohn, founder of Social Bite, said: “When the £5 Christmas Appeal started we had no idea how much of an annual tradition it would become for many generous supporters.
“It has now grown into one of Social Bite’s most exciting fundraising moments of the year and is a key part of our Festival of Kindness campaign. A huge thank you to everyone who buys a voucher, and to itison for their ongoing support.”
In addition to the itison £5 Christmas Appeal, donations and gifts can be made to Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness online or at one of the Kindness Trees located throughout the UK:
Glasgow – Vinicombe Street
Edinburgh – St Andrew Square
Aberdeen – outside the Bon Accord Centre
Birmingham – New Street Station, outside All Bar One
Every £1 invested in Social Bite’s Jobs First programme yields an estimated £3 worth of social benefits
The programme enhances UK public finances by at least £0.71 per £1 investment
Employers report that Jobs First has helped alleviate recruitment challenges and costs
Participating employees have praised the programme for providing more financial freedom, benefiting their well-being and helping them break the cycle of homelessness
A new report released today, 6 February 2025 from The Centre for Homelessness and Inclusion Health at the University of Edinburgh has revealed that Social Bite’s Jobs First initiative delivers significant economic and social benefits.
Jobs First is an innovative employment initiative supporting individuals with lived experience of homelessness and is unique within the sector in its trauma-informed and person-centred approach, providing tailored support to both employers and employees.
The independent evaluation confirmed that for every £1 invested by Social Bite and participating employers, a social benefit of £3 is returned to the UK, while enhancing public finances by at least £0.71.
The independent report, which was launched at the Impact Conference in Edinburgh, outlines the significant socio-economic benefits of the programme for employees, employers, and taxpayers.
Savings are generated by reducing pressure on the UK’s public services such as healthcare, as well as lowering welfare benefit payments, in addition to increasing tax revenues from people who may have otherwise struggled to secure employment.
According to the Centre’s cost-benefit analysis, the social benefit equates to £52,697 per employee gaining employment, which is 2.9 times higher than the cost per employee. This is primarily attributed to increased economic output of £40,000 and enhanced personal well-being valued at £12,000.
The programme has enabled many employees to thrive in their roles and continue employment beyond the programme’s completion. Participants have reported gaining new skills, qualifications, expanded social networks, and increased confidence, all while earning income to secure more stable housing and break the cycle of homelessness.
Employers, including leading hospitality group Mitchells & Butlers, reported that the initiative has helped alleviate recruitment challenges, reduced hiring costs, and provided access to a pool of motivated candidates.
Additionally, participating companies have found involvement in the programme to be rewarding for staff and beneficial to workplace culture. All employers expressed a strong appetite for the programme to be expanded and replicated elsewhere.
The Jobs First programme recently marked its third year of operation and by the end of 2024 had supported a total of 91 individuals into employment with many continuing to thrive in their new roles today. All employees interviewed for the evaluation said they would recommend it to other people with similar backgrounds.
Marzena Farana-Sherlock, Director of Social Impact at Social Bite said: “We are immensely proud of the findings from this independent evaluation by the Centre for Homelessness and Inclusion Health at the University of Edinburgh.
“Time and again, we have seen that homelessness is perpetuated by the vicious cycle where securing employment is difficult without stable housing, and obtaining housing is challenging without a job.
“This systemic issue needs to change, so at Social Bite, we took action to break this cycle in a sustainable way. Thanks to our incredible Jobs First employers, dedicated Social Bite support workers, wonderful charity referral partners, and the determination of our employee candidates, we are already witnessing remarkable outcomes that benefit all stakeholders and the UK economy.
“This is just the beginning for Jobs First. I have no doubt that its impact will continue to grow as we expand, and we would welcome an opportunity to discuss the findings with policymakers.”
Professor Sarah Johnsen, Director of the Centre for Homelessness and Inclusion Health at the University of Edinburgh, added:“Our evaluation of Jobs First has been overwhelmingly positive. It clearly shows that participants found the programme to be highly beneficial and that it was well-received by both jobseekers and employers.
“The impact demonstrated within just three years of the programme is impressive. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the ratio of benefits to costs would be even greater if all the advantages of Jobs First, including its role in reducing long-term homelessness-related costs and changes in public service use, could be fully measured.
“Jobs First employers, employees and support workers should be congratulated for their commitment to and success in the programme. It has been a privilege to hear firsthand from the employees who have taken part about how transformative Jobs First has been for their lives.”
Comfort Mensah moved to Scotland from Ghana in September 2023 and found herself classed as homeless.
She soon sought help through Social Bite’s Jobs First programme her the situation improved when she found work in a Harvester restaurant in January – almost four months after arriving in Scotland.
Now having completed the course while finishing her Masters at Glasgow University, Comfort’s role and support from Social Bite made it possible for her to find somewhere to call her own.
She said:“Social Bite came through. Even though it was hard at first as I didn’t have experience, they helped me through it. Having a job, earning my own money, and then finding a room was totally transformational.
“I never sleep well, but that first night I fell asleep before 8pm and slept right through to 8am – I’d never slept like it. Maybe this is how it is to be at peace.
“My advice to anybody in my situation is don’t give up – there is somebody out there who can help. When you meet that person, your mind will be blown by how much they will help. There is hope in humanity.”
The Council is proud to recognise the work of Social Bite’s Jobs First programme through our parking contractor NSL (part of Marston Holdings).
We’re also sharing the inspiring story of Patrick who has benefitted from this programme and is now employed as a Parking Attendant here in Edinburgh.
Jobs First was established by Social Bite in October 2021 as a pathway for homelessness experienced individuals to employment – and in that time they have helped over 90 people.
The programme guarantees living wage employment for each person and provides wrap-around support for both the employer and employee.
Each Jobs First employee is allocated a support worker from Social Bite who assists them throughout the programme and their employment contract, meeting weekly initially to offer practical support on bills and forms, as well as emotional guidance and confidence building to adapt to working life.
Social Bite also provides training to each employer to help them appropriately guide the employee while the support worker will help facilitate appraisal processes and employee progress.
Today we’re sharing Patrick’s story to highlight how the programme has had a positive impact on his life and in turn added value to the services we provide to the people of Edinburgh.
In October, the prestigious ‘Parking in the Community Award’ was also awarded to the Council, NSL and Social Bite at the British Parking Awards, recognising this important work.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said:“Homelessness is one of the key challenges that we face in our city and I’m incredibly proud of the work that is ongoing between our services and Social Bite on the Jobs First programme.
“Behind every case of homelessness is an individual story and Patrick’s shows what can be achieved when the right support is in place. Gainful employment is about so much more than simply earning a wage. It’s a route to rebuild a life with confidence, social relationships and other transferrable skills.
“I’m hopeful that this relationship with Social Bite will continue for many years to come and that we can help more individuals like Patrick to overcome these difficulties and lessen the impact of homelessness in Edinburgh as much as we can.”
Emma Colgan-Blair, Social Bite’s Jobs First Programme Coordinator, said:“Over the past three years, Social Bite’s partnership with NSL and the City of Edinburgh Council through the Jobs First programme has helped people affected by homelessness build brighter futures.
“With a shared ethos of creating pathways to employment, together we’ve been able to support many individuals like Patrick to achieve financial stability, career growth, and personal transformation. This collaboration shows the life-changing impact of offering people from all walks of life the right support and opportunities.”
Keith Hanshaw, Group Managing Director of NSL, said: “Marston Holdings have been supporting Social Bite since 2022. We work closely with them in Edinburgh and across the UK to support those who have experienced homelessness through meaningful permanent employment opportunities.
“Social Bite were also voted internally to be one of our two Christmas reward sponsors. We have employed numerous people like Patrick and look to continue to do so for many years to come. We are really proud of the impact this makes on our local communities.”
New major awards scheme for the British Business Community unveiled
NatWest Group and Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, are unveiling a brand-new national business awards event to recognise the achievements of significant companies and leaders across the UK.
The British Business Awards, in association with NatWest, will take place on April 24th, 2025, at the EICC in Edinburgh. The event will be run on a not-for-profit basis and has set a target of raising £1million for this year’s beneficiary charity, Social Bite.
Chaired by Alan Jope CBE, the former CEO of Unilever, the awards are expected to attract some of the UK’s most important companies and preeminent business leaders to convene in Edinburgh. The dinner will feature a fireside chat and a rare, unplugged music performance from the iconic musician and activist Sting.
The evening will be hosted by comedian, presenter and TV star, Rob Brydon and feature a keynote address from the event’s patron Sir Bob Geldof, who is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Band Aid in 2025.
Anticipated to be the largest business dinner in the UK, the British Business Awards is anticipated to have 2000 business leaders in attendance, representing companies with a combined turnover of over £200 billion.
There are 18 award categories to enter including: Entrepreneur of the Year, Socially Responsible Business of the Year, International Business of the Year, Employer of the Year and Retail Business of the Year. To enter businesses are required to submit a 1000 word written application by 7th of March 2025.
The independent judging panel is made up of 18 key figures from British industry including; Phil Urban, CEO of Mitchells & Butlers; Emma Crystal, CEO of Coutts Bank; Sharan Parischa, founder of Gleneagles Hotel’s parent company Ennismore, Shaf Rasul, serial entrepreneur and investor; and Vinodka Murria OBE, known as the ‘Queen of Tech’ having founded three tech companies that have a – “multi-unicorn’” valuation in excess of $2.5 billion.
Josh Littlejohn MBE had previously founded the Scottish Business Awards, which went on to attract keynote speakers including President Bill Clinton, Sir Richard Branson, George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Sir Bob Geldof, British Business Awards patron, said: “The British Business Awards is a vital event. For one night, the leaders of British business will come together in Edinburgh to celebrate success and make a difference. I look forward to seeing you on the night”
Alan Jope CBE, Chair of the judging panel, said: “The British Business Awards will bring together entrepreneurs and leaders from across the UK for one amazing night in Edinburgh, to celebrate their achievements.
“As well as enjoying the proud distinction of being nominated or winning, businesses will be helping to raise vital funds for the most vulnerable people in society.”
James Holian, Head of Business Banking and International Retail, NatWest Group said: “As the UK’s biggest bank for business, NatWest is proud to support the launch of the British Business Awards.
“This event is the perfect way to bring together the UK’s leading companies and entrepreneurs to recognise their achievements and make a difference. I look forward to hearing about the many success stories on the night.”
Josh Littlejohn MBE, founding partner of the British Business Awards said: “British Business has seen a huge amount of change, turmoil and challenge over recent years, yet despite this we seeing companies continue to thrive to be major market leaders across the world.
“The British Business Awards will recognise the very best of entrepreneurship, innovation and growth, as well as supporting the important work of Social Bite in tackling homelessness across the UK.”
For further information on the awards or for more details on how to enter visit:
Royal Bank of Scotland has introduced a new way for its customers to support Social Bite in the fight against homelessness this festive season.
Through its mobile app based MyRewards programme, customers can now easily donate their available Rewards (over £5) to buy someone experiencing homelessness a Christmas dinner with Social Bite. Royal Bank of Scotland has also pledged to match all donations to any of its 16 MyRewards charities, including Social Bite, up to the value of £50 until 31st December, up to a total of £150,000.
The initiative comes as part of Social Bite’s ‘Festival of Kindness’ – an annual mission that aims to provide 300,000 meals, gifts, and essential items to people who are homeless and vulnerable this Christmas.
Royal Bank of Scotland has previously worked with the Scottish charity to open a coffee outlet for colleagues and visitors in its Royal Bank HQ in the capital Edinburgh, as well as launching a public coffee shop at its NatWest site at 440 Strand, London.
Since the launch of Festival of Kindness in 2020, Social Bite has successfully distributed 1.1 million meals, gifts, and essentials to people who are homeless during the festive period.
Judith Cruickshank, Chair, Scotland Board, Royal Bank of Scotland, said:“Social Bite makes a positive difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The festive season often brings into focus the hardship so many face every day.
“We know that people want to help but don’t know how. We’re excited to support Social Bite’s inspiring ‘Festival of Kindness’ initiative, giving our customers a way to gift a homeless person a warm meal.
“We encourage everyone to join in and help make the festive season a little brighter for the most vulnerable in our society.”
Josh Littlejohn MBE, Founder of Social Bite,added: “Social Bite is proud to have had the support of Royal Bank of Scotland for a number of years, and together, we’ve made great strides to help people break the cycle of homelessness.
“For many of us, Christmas is a period where we look forward to spending time with friends, family and loved ones. However, the reality is very different for people without a place to call home over the festive season. With homelessness rising across the UK, it’s more important than ever that we do what we can to help people affected by homelessness and food poverty.
“A big thank you to all the wonderful Royal Bank of Scotland customers who chose to donate their rewards to Social Bite. Your contribution will make a real difference to someone in need, including a hot meal with all the trimmings in loving company on Christmas Day.”
Social bite Christmas 2024
From left to right: Billy, Jim and Social Bite team member Ambreen
To find out more about Royal Bank of Scotland’s MyRewards and the other charities which are being supported, please visit:
The Edinburgh Festival of Kindness campaign kicks off on Castle Street
The charity is calling for locals to rally to help hit target of providing 300,000 gifts, meals and essential items to homeless and vulnerable people this Christmas
Leading homelessness charity, Social Bite, is calling on kind-hearted Edinburgh locals of all ages to help raise 300,000 gifts, meals and essential items to donate to people experiencing homelessness this Christmas season as part of its Festival of Kindness (from Monday 25th November).
The charity’s annual campaign is returning to the city for its fifth year, as it continues its mission to help end homelessness and spread some much-needed festive joy throughout November and December. This year donations can be made to the city’s Tree of Kindness on Castle Street.
Since 2019, Edinburgh locals have contributed generously towards Social Bite’s yearly target of 300,000 gifts, essentials and Christmas meals, which went towards providing vulnerable people and people experiencing homelessness with a loving Christmas.
Homelessness has been declared as a national emergency, and food poverty is on the rise, so more people are facing a desperate winter than ever before, including families with children. This is why each year Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness aims to bring joy and comfort to those who are facing a difficult Christmas, and this year that may be needed more than ever.
As well as gifts hand delivered to the Social Bite Tree of Kindness, those looking to take part can also donate virtually. Donations of just £28 could provide someone with a hot Christmas meal, a gift, a bundle of essential items and a bed for the night.
Supporters can also choose to donate items including a pack of warm gloves for £10, or even 10 winter essential items and backpack for £250: there are so many ways to get involved and help support people who need it most at this time of year.
“The people of Edinburgh have generously supported Festival of Kindness for the past four years. This year, we’re asking them to once again demonstrate that warm-heartedness they’re famous for and donate at our Tree of Kindness or online.”
Over and above the tree located on Edinburgh’s Castle Street, four other Trees of Kindness have been installed across the UK. Donors can bring physical gifts to the trees which will be distributed to homeless and vulnerable people in time for Christmas, including:
Glasgow – Vinicombe Street
Dundee – Union Street
London – the Strand, outside Charing Cross station
Aberdeen – outside the Bon Accord Centre
For anyone who can’t make it along to the Festival of Kindness donation points, contributions can also be made online at social-bite.co.uk/festival-of-kindness/.
The charity, in collaboration with people they support, has created a wish list of items and gifts that vulnerable people and people experiencing homelessness want most at this time of year.
These include a warm pair of gloves, a hot water bottle and a torch, good quality socks, and toys and warm clothing for children living in temporary accommodation to open on Christmas morning.
Donors can also buy a Christmas dinner, a gift, a pack of essential items and overnight emergency accommodation for £28.
