BCHA are excited to announce that they have launched a brand new alternative online gift shop, and with less than two months until Christmas, now is a good time to start shopping!

The alternative gifts offered on the site are a great way for people to show their family and friends that they are thinking of them, while making a real difference to the lives of the most vulnerable people within the local area.

People can browse the shop and select which gift they wish to purchase for their friend or relative. However, unlike normal internet shopping, people will not have to wait around for the postman to come - as they will never receive these gifts! Instead, the recipient will receive a card detailing what has been bought on their behalf and how it will really help someone who needs it. The gift will then be purchased and given to a BCHA service user, helping them to continue on their journey towards independence.

The shop, which can be visited at www.shop.bcha.org.uk has details of over 100 items on there. The range of items include a college support kit for a young person to help them learn new skills in order to work towards employment, a one-hour coaching session for a victim of domestic violence to help them look towards the future with hope rather than fear, a meal for a homeless person to help them stay warm and well throughout the cold winter months and a toiletry kit for a young person, who has come to BCHA with nothing.

Lorna Trent, BCHA Fundraising Manager, commented: "Every item listed in the shop has been identified as something urgently needed to help someone move forward with their life.

"People can choose what they buy, knowing exactly how their money is going to be spent and how it will help someone. There are over 100 items from people to choose from starting from as little as £6.

"So if you are struggling to think of what to buy for that person who has everything, visit www.shop.bcha.org.uk and buy an alternative gift for them and make a real difference to the vulnerable people of your community.

"I would like to thank JPMorgan who funded the set up costs for this new site. Without their help there would be many people in desperate need of items we all take for granted but with no means of obtaining them."