TODAY, in launching the Hereford Times Christmas Appeal 2024, we ask our generous readers to lend a hand to local families who through no fault of their own have found themselves floundering.

Hungry children, debilitating illnesses and job losses are just some of the things they are struggling with as Christmas draws nearer.

They need help, just as we all need help when events beyond our control tip our lives into turmoil.

We do not ask for your support lightly. Many of us are ourselves finding things tough as we navigate the cost-of-living crisis. But we hope that, at Christmas, you will join us in doing what we can to make life a little better for others.

We are running our appeal in partnership with Hereford-based charity Vennture. It has helped 600 hard-working families figure out their next steps. It provides families with a personal link worker who gives weekly one-to-one support.

Lots of families face times of difficulty. Circumstances out of their control such as job losses, relationship breakdowns, bereavement, debilitating illnesses and the cost-of-living crisis can push them into instability. This is just one Herefordshire father-of-three's story, as told to Vennture:

“When you first showed up, the cupboard was bare – literally. I had a single Pot Noodle to stretch between three hungry kids.

"Being a single dad was hard enough but add the weight of their mum’s addiction hanging over me, and it felt impossible at times. Then, to top it off, I lost my job. Redundancy hit me like a train, and where I live there’s no safety net. No one reached out. I was completely on my own.

“It felt like no one understood what I was going through. No one spoke to me. I just didn’t fit anymore.

"Everyone around me seemed so well-off – they were living their lives while I was counting every penny. Even small things felt like mountains: £5.70 for the bus? No chance. A pound for the school fete? Forget it. I couldn’t even top up my pay-as-you-go, so I had no way to ring anyone.

"The bills? I’d stopped opening them. What was the point? I couldn’t pay them. But no matter how much I tried to ignore it all, I couldn’t ignore the kids being hungry.

“And then, Vennture came. They knocked on the door with a food parcel. But they didn’t just bring food, though. They listened and helped me go through the pile of unopened letters. And not once did she judge me. I didn’t have anything left to give, but Vennture gave me something I hadn’t had in a long time. They gave me hope.”

Please click here to donate what you can to help local families in need this Christmas.