A CHRISTMAS hamper appeal which provides food for young people in Worcestershire who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or in crisis has been boosted by support from a local hotel.

The Basement Project, in Bromsgrove, supports young people across the county through its annual Christmas hamper appeal, with demand increasing sharply during the cost-of-living crisis.

This year, Brockencote Hall Hotel in Chaddesley Corbett has partnered with the charity to back its Christmas appeal, pledging to donate a hamper for each bedroom it sells at Christmas.

In 2021 the charity made 269 food hampers, but that more than doubled last year and the number of hampers required is expected to increase even further this year.

Brockencote Hall Hotel has partnered with the charity as part of its Giving Back campaign, which supports a good cause in the local community every Christmas.

Kelly Turner, community fundraiser at The Basement Project, said: “As a small charity supporting local young people in crisis, we are extremely grateful to Brockencote Hall for supporting us with hampers for the festive period.

“Last Christmas we supported over 600 local young people with food, and we expect the need this year to be even higher.

“Hampers from Brockencote will go a long way to helping our young clients, who are often alone at Christmas, to have an enjoyable festive period with enough food in their cupboards. We cannot thank all involved enough."

The Basement Project is based on Hanover Street in Bromsgrove and offers a drop-in service and support in the community to young people in Worcestershire aged 25 and under who are at risk of homelessness, are homeless or who are in crisis.

It also offers counselling, mediation and a food bank, with the aim of helping young people to get set up in a tenancy and move towards independence. 

Brockencote Hall Hotel is hoping to be able to donate 21 hampers – one for each bedroom in the main manor house – while people are also able to donate items to the appeal at the hotel.

The hampers will include much-needed items such as tinned ham/turkey roll, festive biscuit/cake/chocolate selections, Christmas crackers, coffee, cream cracker selection boxes, toiletry gift packs, and warm Christmas socks.

Jack Hartshorne, the hotel’s general manager, added: “Christmas is a time to think of others so we are delighted to support the incredible work of The Basement Project this year.

“Food is such a big part of the offering at Brockencote Hall which is why we have chosen to donate items of food to the local community to help those less fortunate enjoy their Christmas.

“We are also opening our doors as a donation drop-off point should members of the public want to support the campaign.”

Anyone wishing to donate to the campaign at Brockencote Hall is asked to do so before December 17.

For details on the hotel visit www.brockencotehall.com or visit www.basementproject.org for more information on The Basement Project.