Families face bleak Christmas this year

Toy Drive appeal ramped up amid fears of impact of Universal Credit delays

Fife organisations say families face Christmas in poverty with just days to go before the roll out of Universal Credit.

The six-week delay for benefits payments under Universal Credit has already been condemned by Fife councillors.

And groups working to alleviate the impact of poverty in the region are anticipating a spike in demand in the coming weeks.

The Toy Drive appeal in north-east Fife has extended its deadline for donations as it anticipates an increase in parents struggling to cope.

Victoria Leonard from the appeal said there was also a rise in demand in areas such as St Andrews and the East Neuk.

Meanwhile, Fife Gingerbread said the roll out of Universal Credit would hit families already left vulnerable during the winter months.

An annual appeal to ensure no child in north-east Fife goes without a gift at Christmas is braced for a last-minute rush as welfare reforms bite.

When Universal Credit is rolled out in Fife on December 6, people on benefits will face a six-week wait for payments and there are fears it will plunge families into poverty just before Christmas.

Victoria Leonard from the Toy Drive appeal said she had already seen an increase in referrals in some areas, including places where there has not previously been such a need.

Organisers have also extended the deadline for referrals this year in anticipation of a last-minute rush from parents who suddenly realise they are not managing.

“We always have a steady number of referrals,” she said.

“What we have noticed is a greater number of referrals from areas which are considered to be well off.

“We’re seeing referrals from Newport and Tayport health visitors, quite a lot of St Andrews primary schools and referrals in the East Neuk.”

Now in its fifth year, Toy Drive takes referrals from health visitors or others who are in contact with families that are struggling financially and helps ensure children receive an age-appropriate gift and book to open on Christmas morning.

Victoria, who is a Fife Council social worker, said the deadline had been extended this year in response to an anticipated rise in demand.

“We’re aware that a lot of parents might get to the week before Christmas and realise they can’t cope, so we’ve extended the deadline right up to the last minute,” she said.

While the appeal receives many donations for younger children, gifts for teenagers, in particular teenage boys, are also needed.

Victoria said ideal gifts included pyjamas for teenage boys and young children, science sets, Lego, Paw Patrol, Shopkins, Sponge Bob, Star Wars and Minecraft games for older children.

Vouchers for Amazon, Argos, cinemas and music downloads, plus gifts for mums and dads, like pyjamas and toiletry sets, are also welcome.

Anyone wanting to donate can hand items in to the council office in Cupar’s County Buildings.

Local MP Stephen Gethins, who offered his office as a collection point last month, praised the efforts of Victoria and her colleagues.

“There is fantastic support for this across North East Fife and every donation will make such a huge difference to the lives of local children and their families.

“Well done to Victoria and her team on their hard work.”

For more information on Toy Drive visit facebook.com/ToyDriveFife.

We’re aware that a lot of parents might get to the week before Christmas and realise they can’t cope, so we’ve extended the deadline right up to the last minute. VICTORIA LEONARD

Stephen Gethins MP with Victoria Leonard and the donations handed in to the constituency office.