A Southampton charity helping families in need has marked a quarter of a century of support.
Scratch, based in Northam, marked its 25th anniversary with a celebratory barbecue on August 16 featuring volunteers, local partners, and advocates.
Guests included the recently elected MP for Southampton Test, Satvir Kaur, and representatives from Southampton City Mission, Abri housing association, and Saints Foundation.
Originating from a small office in Shirley and old barns in Nursling in 1999, Scratch now serves local families in hardship.
For the financial year 2023 to 2024, Scratch reported helping 5,077 people with furniture, giving 2,616 children Christmas presents, assisting 3,554 people with utilities, providing white goods for 664 people, and answering 2,475 calls to their welfare line.
Chair of the board, Ann Laird, said: "Demand for our services continues to rise year on year and, despite all the challenges, we're still here and still helping our clients. We're hoping for many more years of making a difference."
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