07/09/2026
Folks, I just want to take a moment to clarify the kind of support Newry Outreach can provide to families at Christmas. ❤️
I’ve received a number of messages recently asking for Christmas help, some of which have included children’s full Christmas wish lists.
I completely understand that Christmas can be an incredibly stressful and worrying time for families, particularly when money is already tight. There is absolutely no shame in struggling or in reaching out for support, and I would never want anyone in genuine need to feel they couldn’t contact me.
However, I do need to be clear about how our Christmas support works.
Newry Outreach is here to help families who, through difficult circumstances, find themselves genuinely unable to manage at Christmas. We aren’t in a position to take full Christmas present lists in September and provide everything requested.
Generally, the families we support at Christmas reach out closer to the time, when it has become clear that despite doing everything they can, they simply aren’t going to be able to manage.
If you are already feeling worried or under pressure about Christmas, please do reach out. We can have a chat and look at what support or options may be available. There are things that can help families prepare, including budgeting advice, savings clubs and other ways of putting a little aside over the coming months. Where those avenues aren’t enough and genuine need remains, we will always do our very best to step in where we can.
Unfortunately, I have received some unpleasant messages because other groups may already be requesting Christmas items and people feel that by not doing the same, I am refusing to help.
That simply isn’t the case.
Newry Outreach is not a large, heavily funded charity with an unlimited supply of money or gifts. The support we provide is only possible because I reach out to our local community and people respond with incredible generosity.
I never take that generosity for granted.
I know that much of the support we receive comes from ordinary working people and families who may not have a lot to spare themselves, but still choose to give something to help someone else. That is why I have a responsibility to make sure every donation and every bit of support is directed towards genuine need.
It cannot simply be a case of, “Put my list up and people will get the things for me.”
When I ask our community for help, I need to be confident that there is a genuine need behind that request. That protects the people receiving support, the people generously giving it, and the trust our community has placed in Newry Outreach.
Our Christmas Appeal will be starting soon, and as always, we will do everything within our means to make Christmas a little easier for families who genuinely need us.
I also need to mention that I cannot simply share private messages, personal circumstances or Christmas lists sent to me through Messenger publicly on the Outreach page. People’s privacy and dignity are extremely important.
I’m sorry that I’ve had to make a post like this, as it isn’t something I would normally do. I just felt it was important to explain how things work and why there have to be boundaries around the support we provide.
And finally, to every person who supports Newry Outreach — whether at Christmas or throughout the year — please know just how precious your support is. ❤️
Your kindness is never taken for granted. Every donation, every share, every offer of help and every act of generosity allows us to continue supporting people in our community who are going through genuinely difficult times.
As always, if you are struggling, please reach out. You will be treated with dignity and respect, and I will always endeavour to help where I can. ❤️
Thank you for understanding, and thank you for continuing to support Newry Outreach and the people in our community who need it most. ❤️
