The P.E.O.P.L.E. charity in Midsomer Norton have launched a campaign ‘Baskets for Babies for Christmas’, which provides baby gifts for mothers in need in our local community. Each Moses basket or baby bath contains items such as cuddly toys, clothes and blankets.

The campaign was launched by Geoff Fuller, Chair of Westfield Parish Council. A representative from Radstock Children’s Centre also attended the launch, as they will be distributing the gift baskets on behalf of the charity through local Health Visitors.

The Charity is also undertaking, for the second year, the ‘Coats for Christmas’ campaign, launched by one of the charity’s patrons, Lord Hylton.

Coats, jackets, waterproofs, scarves and gloves will be distributed to homeless people within the B&NES and Mendip area. This year, the charity is extending this provision to include the elderly within the area who would benefit from this support.

Anyone who would be interested in receiving a gift of a coat should contact the charity directly. P.E.O.P.L.E. Midsomer Norton branch would like to thank the members of the public who have donated the items for the campaign, and feel that they will be pleased that their generosity is going to those in need.

The charity continues to provide various services to the local community. ‘Sounds Involved’, a new band rehearsal and recording studio that has been set up within the charity shop, is now also up and running. This new project is supported by the St John’s Foundation, and has been opened as a community project that is open to all, including individuals and musicians, as well as those who are less able, and those who may not have access to these types of facilities by other means.

The studio is decked out with its own equipment, and has top-of-the-range recording software. For more information, email: [email protected]

P.E.O.P.L.E. Midsomer Norton have issued the following statement: “The charity shops will be closed from Saturday, 23rd December until Tuesday, 2nd January, and we kindly ask that no donations are left outside of the shops when the shops are closed. The charity wishes all its volunteers, supporters, and the local community a very Happy Christmas and New Year.”