At Shpresa Programme, our name means “hope” and that hope is at the heart of everything we do.
Every day, we support asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants who are facing increasing hardship and uncertainty. Over recent years, many of the families we work with have experienced the impact of the hostile environment, negative rhetoric in Parliament and the media, changes to immigration laws, and, more recently, far-right threats and racist incidents. These experiences create fear, instability, and isolation for already vulnerable communities.
Among those most affected are the children and young people we support.
Many of these children are growing up in poverty and facing multiple barriers, including loneliness, cultural isolation, limited English language skills, and experiences of discrimination. Some are living in temporary accommodation or asylum hotels, while others may be at risk of exploitation or trafficking. Many also experience significant mental health challenges as a result of trauma, uncertainty, and social exclusion.
This is why the ELBA Toy Appeal is so important.
The toys we receive through the appeal are far more than gifts. They are symbols of care, inclusion, dignity, and hope. They provide children with moments of happiness during difficult times and allow them to experience the joy of the holiday season like their peers.
For many families, buying toys or gifts is simply impossible.
At Shpresa Programme, we see the reality behind the headlines. We meet parents carrying enormous emotional and financial burdens while trying to create a better future for their children.
One mother we support lives in an asylum hotel with her three young children. She receives just £9 a week to cover all of their personal needs. Although meals are provided at the hotel, if her children do not like the food available, they often go to bed hungry because she cannot afford alternatives. The little money she receives is spent travelling to essential appointments and navigating a complex immigration system.
When the holidays come, she cannot afford a single present for her children.
Imagine the heartbreak of wanting to make your children smile and having nothing to give them.
Through the ELBA Toy Appeal, that story changes.
When her children received their toys, their faces lit up with excitement and joy. For a moment, they felt included, valued, and cared for, just like every other child celebrating the season. For their mother, it was a reminder that she was not alone, that someone recognised her struggle and wanted to help.
This is the impact of the Toy Appeal.
Every toy sends a powerful message:
You matter. You belong. You are not forgotten.
At Shpresa Programme, we believe every child deserves equality, dignity, and the chance to feel joy regardless of their background or circumstances. That is why our aim is to ensure every child we support receives a gift.
The appeal also plays an important role in supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health. Small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact on children experiencing trauma, uncertainty, and social isolation. A toy can bring comfort, build confidence, encourage play and creativity, and remind a child that there is kindness and compassion in the world around them.
Most importantly, it brings hope.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributes to the ELBA Toy Appeal and helps make this possible. Your generosity allows children facing incredibly challenging circumstances to experience warmth, happiness, and a sense of belonging during the holiday season.
Together, we are not only giving toys, but we are also giving comfort, dignity and hope.
