Families, individuals, and older people across the Liverpool City Region will be receiving vital support thanks to a food, care, and toy package initiative this Christmas.

The initiative, led by One Vision Housing, is set to help almost 2,000 beneficiaries across the region, with funding from its Community Development Fund, fellow members of The Sovini Group, Sovini Trade Supplies and Sovini Property Services, and local law firm, Weightmans LLP.

Nine community organisations received large pallets of food, care, and toy packages ready for the Christmas period, including Netherton Park Neighbourhood Centre, Sefton Opera, Light for Life, Brunswick Youth and Community Centre, Joseph Lappin Centre, Veterans HQ Liverpool, St Helens Food Bank, Equilibrium North West CIC, and the Indy Food Pantry.

Inflation has increased at a faster rate than pay for those in employment, and benefits for those not. In November 2022, the UK’s inflation rate rose to 11.1%, 9.1% above The Bank of England’s target of 2%. This level of inflation is set to have a direct impact for people across the UK, affecting their ability to pay their rent, household bills, as well as purchase food and care products.

An organisation receiving a pallet from the initiative, Sefton Older Persons Enabling Resource & Action (O.P.E.R.A), is a charitable voluntary group that provides services to enhance the well-being of older people.

Vicki Martlow, Sefton O.P.E.R.A said: “The current cost-of-living crisis has impacted our clients massively. Rising energy costs have resulted in some being frightened to turn their heating on, with others using just one room in their home to reduce costs.”

She added: “We are incredibly grateful to One Vision Housing for the donation of this food pallet which will enable us to support hundreds of people locally.”

One Vision Housing is part of the award-winning The Sovini Group, which recently received an accolade for its innovative approach to responsible business across social and Governance practices from the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce.

Ian Mitchell, Managing Director of Housing at The Sovini Group said: “We are committed to creating opportunities and changing lives in the communities we serve. As the cost-of-living continues to rise, we know many will be finding this time of year challenging. Alongside the help One Vision Housing provide through its wonderful support teams, we hope that these packages will help those in need this Christmas.”

Sian Evans, Partner at Weightmans LLP commented: “We are proud to partner with The Sovini Group on their Christmas initiative in providing food, care, and toy supplies to the Liverpool City Region. This year has undoubtably been difficult with so many people affected by the cost-of-living crisis, so we are eager to support such a great initiative. We hope those families receiving the packages enjoy the festive season.”

Customers of One Vision Housing that need help with cost-of-living are encouraged to visit the online support guide.