Unique Lancaster charity helps put smiles on faces for Christmas

Despite having no permanent home since moving out of its building at HMP Lancaster Farms earlier this year, the charity is continuing to support its service users as best it can through the pandemic.

The service has been running online classes, delivering care packages and doing shopping for those who are still shielding due to their circumstances.

Volunteers have delivered more than 600 care packages and festive hampers, and founder Sharon Jackson runs online meetings including a chat cafe, mindfulness, exercise videos and even an online choir.

Sharon said: "We have done it all with the amazing support of our office-based team and fabulous volunteers as well as funding support from National Lottery!

"We are determined to continue supporting people through what has been a very difficult time with online activities, regular telephone contact, shopping etc, as well as offering care and compassion to those who have sadly lost a loved one during the pandemic.

"Fundraising has been one of our biggest challenges as we have been unable to host events and revenue streams have reduced dramatically, however we have successfully delivered this Christmas our Santa Garden Visits and they have been amazing raising funds and awareness but most of all bringing smiles of joy!"

The charity also ran a successful awareness campaign inviting children to design a face mask for Santa, and the winning entries have been on display in Nationwide Lancaster.

Sharon added: "There is light at the end of the tunnel but we are not there yet and Neuro Drop In despite losing our home earlier this year has remained constant for those in our area affected by neurological conditions.

"If anyone would like to help us continue to do what we do please visit www.neurodropin.org.uk to donate or make contact with us."

Neuro Drop In is thought to be the only charity in the UK which helps anyone affected by a neurological condition, such as multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, epilepsy, dementia, cerebral palsy, Huntington’s disease, ME, MG, MSA and acquired brain injury.

The charity had to leave its home next to HMP Lancaster Farms in July because HM Prisons needed the building back.

They have now found temporary rented office space at White Cross, but are still on the look out for a permanent new home with wheelchair access.

Neuro Drop In relies heavily on the generosity and support of the local people, businesses and community groups who give their time and money to help run the centre.

It receives no statutory funding and needs to raise more than £140,000 a year to cover costs - and this year has been helped by National Lottery funding.

They have also been helped out by Acorn Oak from Carnforth, who offered a storage facility free of charge.

If you know of any premises that might be suitable for the charity's new home, please contact [email protected]