The residents, staff, family and friends at SHYPP held a Christmas celebration on Tuesday, December 22nd at the Ross-on-Wye Foyer.

Natasha Davies, who works at SHYPP, told the Ross Gazette:?“Thanks to the generosity of local organisations and businesses we were able to buy the young people some Christmas presents.”

SHYPP (Supported Housing for Young People) provides vulnerable young people between the ages of 16 and 25 with housing, support, training and employment opportunities.

Hot turkey rolls, mince pies, party food and hot drinks were served. Natasha handed out gift bags to the young residents. The Hereford Methodist Church provided some gifts, and a local business owner offered a financial contribution, so extra presents and food could be bought. He requested to remain anonymous, but he told the Ross Gazette:?“They do wonderful work, they really do, and they help young people who have been in difficult situations.”

The decorations at SHYPP were delivered earlier in the month by Cllr Hannah Lerego; the decorations had been used in Santa’s grotto at the Ross-on-Wye Christmas Fayre.

These decorations had been purchased using a donation from the Costa Community Foundation Project. SHYPP then received the decorations after the fayre.

Natasha added:?“Thank you to everyone who has been really generous, supportive and kind.”