Local charity Purple Elephant is reaching out to the people of Frome and Somerset to help create a happy Christmas and special memories for families who will struggle to provide treats for their children at, what should be, such a special time of year.

With a reported 1,000+ children in Frome alone on free school meals there are hundreds of local families struggling to meet basic heating-and-eating needs before even considering where to find the extra money for treats. 

For many, the greatest challenges come from caring for children with additional needs, so Purple Elephant's focus at this time of year is to ensure the whole family is involved, with adults joining in too, so that everyone gets to have fun together. 

Purple Elephant will be holding a special Christmas party, in a warm, welcoming space for families needing support - featuring a very special guest indeed - Santa Claus! Santa will bring an individually-selected present for each of around 75 children who will also enjoy festive crafts, a silent disco and delicious food.

Also being gifted to 120 children and their adults this year are tickets to The Memorial, The Merlin and The Lucky Chance theatres, to see Sleeping Beauty, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, The Little Match Girl and, for the very youngest, The Ugly Duckling. 

Some shows will offer 'relaxed' performances; an adjusted approach to regular theatre 'rules' where lighting and sound are adapted to support sensory needs and where nobody tuts or stares, so that parents don't feel judged and children can be free to be themselves.

Purple Elephant's service manager, Sue Willis, explains: "Christmas is a wonderful time of year but for some it is also really stressful, pressured and even unhappy.

"We aim to bring joy and fun to families who need support at this time of year so we are asking the community to reach out and donate as we aim to raise £1,000 towards a merry Christmas, for everyone."

Please support children who have so much less than so many this Christmas, by donating via www.PurpleElephant.org.uk or directly via the Local Giving page here.