Initially formed in 1974, Elpis Centre operates in the Ruchill area of Glasgow and provides accommodation for up to 18 young women at a time, aged between 16 to 25, who have found themselves facing homelessness or with other challenges.

Elpis aims to prepare these young women for independence through tailored plans that focus on developing living and social skills, as well as learning and employment opportunities. The charity maintains a focus on health and emotional wellbeing to support them to maximise opportunities to develop and grow.

“With a combination of possible strained relationships, the rising cost of living, stress of paying all of the additional costs that the festive period usually brings, and a cold and dark Scottish winter, the festive period can be a really difficult time for the young women we support. That’s why donations from Celtic FC Foundation are so important. They allow our charity to support our young women further by lessening the pressures on them and brightening what can be an otherwise tricky time of year.

“It has allowed us to purchase warm winter coats and provide Christmas food hampers for all of the young women in the Centre, to help see them through the colder and damp months. The donations also allow us to provide experiences and excursions for the young women that they might not otherwise have, such as a Christmas panto or group outing to M&Ds.

“Elpis cannot express our gratitude enough for the support we have received from the Foundation. Elpis means “hope” and inspiring hope is always our overriding aim when supporting the young women that call Elpis Centre home. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting us to do what we do best.”

Coral McIntosh, Elpis Centre