Member Article

Local charity asks community to support them this Christmas

A charity that assists people living with mental health issues and learning disabilities in Northumberland is asking the general public and local businesses to support them and help raise additional, much-needed funds through sales of specially-made festive wreaths.

The team and service users at Blyth Star Enterprises’ Stakeford Nurseries have been growing seasonal plants, sourcing materials and handcrafting decorative wreaths which are now on sale. All funds raised will be reinvested into the charity and go towards providing essential services for over 300 people.

More than 500 wreaths were made and sold to the local community last year and staff at the nursery are once again hoping that people will get behind them to support the charity. They are advising all customers, longstanding and new, to order in advance, especially if requiring custom-made bespoke wreaths.

The nurseries are also keen to see photos of the wreaths and are asking people to share photos on social media platforms, tagging Blyth Star Enterprises and Stakeford Nurseries on Facebook and @BlythStarEnterprises on Instagram alongside the hashtag #BlythStarWreath.

Wreath-making is a long-established winter activity at the nurseries and is included as part of in-house training. The team is able to ensure that service users can get involved with the process, no matter their ability.

Ruth Bell, Senior Horticultural Supervisor at Blyth Star Enterprises’ Stakeford Nurseries, said: “Many of the service users that come here look forward to this festive activity as it’s an excellent opportunity for them to show off their creativity. “A lot of effort goes into growing the plants, tending to them and sourcing materials needed for the wreaths. Everyone takes great pride in their work so it would be great for the general public and local businesses to support us, place orders or come along and buy.

“The nurseries offer a fantastic working environment where we can cater for the needs of each individual. It’d be great to see where the wreaths end up so we’d love for people to tag us in their pictures.”

Blyth Star Enterprises is a not-for-profit charity dedicated to helping people who live with mental health conditions and learning disabilities. Staff and volunteers help attendees lead independent, structured lives through various services including assisted living, work and training experiences as well as day services.

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