AN 18-YEAR-OLD has set up a fundraiser to donate Christmas presents to the homeless and try to bring some festive joy to those on our streets.
Jordan Gaskell, from Hindley, is the founder of Gaskell's Mental Health Initiative which offers advice, positive inspiration and an opportunity for those struggling to speak about their problems.
After struggling with his own mental health, Jordan is trying to help the community in whichever way he can and has created a fundraiser to help the homeless "feel loved, involved and grant them some Christmas spirit".
From Monday, December 13, Jordan will dress up as Santa Claus and, along with a team of volunteering "elves", hand wrap Christmas presents and deliver them to those on our streets.
Aiming to deliver the gifts to people around Hindley, Wigan and Leigh, the mental health advocate said he "want[s] to do all he can to help out" and help them give the less fortunate a "mental boost".
Jordan said: "Those on the streets don't get a proper Christmas so the idea of Santa Claus coming over and handing them gift wrapped gifts is intended to give them a bit of a mental boost and spread some Christmas spirit".
The 18-year-old, who also volunteers at the Helping Support People homeless charity in Leigh, said that he has met some "lovely people" who have for one reason or another ended up on the streets.
He added: "There's a lot of geunine people that need help on the streets. It's getting colder and they can struggle with going hungry.
"I don't think there's as much Christmas spirit about these days so I'm just hoping to spread some of this and help bring some unity back into the community."
Since founding his mental health service back in October, Jordan said he has made "a lot of progress" in helping people across the borough.
He explained that he has received a lot of messages and late night phone calls from people struggling, and hopes he can continue helping those by offering help, a place to speak openly and directions towards further help.
However, to continue his services - as well as his Christmas fundraiser - the 18-year-old encouraged people to help support him and donate to his fundraisers here.
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