Slough pupils and businesses are supporting people experiencing mental health issues, domestic violence, modern slavery and unemployment with the launch of Gift, With Love Appeal 2019.

Slough Borough Council have teamed up with repairs and maintenance service provider Osborne Property Service to support the charity Hestia. More than 9,000 adults and children in crisis are supported each year by the charity in London and the surrounding areas.

The Gift, With Love Appeal aims to create work placement opportunities for the women linked with Hestia. The aim is to provide a welcoming work environment where service users can build confidence and gain experience to support their career pathway.

Pupils at Holy Family Catholic Primary School in Langley made butterflies and flowers as wall art at the school in order to encourage donations for give packs which are given out four times a year.

Langley College students have also offered health and beauty vouchers for people to access personal grooming before embarking into the world of work.

Abigail Ampofo, Regional Director of Operations, Hestia said: “We are grateful for Osborne and Slough Borough Council’s support of Hestia’s domestic abuse services in Slough, through their new Gift, With Love campaign.

“Many women and children escaping an abusive relationship leave with few belongings and in the first instance this campaign will help families get back on their feet.

“In the second instance, by providing work experience and CV workshops, parents affected will have a chance to rebuild their confidence and, in the long-run, their families lives.”

Councillor Mohammed Nazir, who attended the event, added: “This campaign will not only raise awareness of Hestia, but by engaging with local schools and colleges, there is a true feeling of our community coming together for the greater good.

“Our shared aims for the campaign over the coming year are; that we create work placements, raise awareness and gift those families who often arrive at Hestia with no more than the clothes they are wearing.”