A charity that helps people in need in Newquay has been overwhelmed with goodwill messages and more than £5,000 in donations after featuring in a television documentary.
DISC Newquay appeared on the Simon Reeve’s Return to Cornwall documentary on BBC2, which highlighted what life is like in Cornwall for the locals after the summer crowds have gone.
DISC Newquay manager Monique Collins explained to Simon that families are struggling to pay the bills despite both parents working due to the cost of living crisis.
The charity currently has more than 3,000 people in the community on its books to help with food, electricity top-ups, clothing, school dinners and housing.
Monique said: “The response has been overwhelming. So many lovely messages and donations have come in.
“I am overjoyed that the truth about Cornwall is finally been told.
“We have had more than £5,000 donated to us.
“So it’s a beautiful Easter for us as it will mean we can continue to support our wonderful local families a while longer.
“Thank you to all the wonderful people from upcountry that are feeling our pain and if and when they visit Cornwall a cuppa and hugs await them.”
A family Simon met, who were being provided with emergency accommodation at the Sandy Lodge Hotel where DISC Newquay operates from, are still in need of a permanent home.
Kim, her partner and three young children were made homeless after their landlord decided to sell the home they were renting in St Dennis.
Monique said: “I hope we can find a house for Kim and her lovely family.
“I hope that our Government realises how much poverty and how big our housing crisis is. We deserve to be levelled up.”
Ethan Bramhall who was featured working at Newquay’s Headland Hotel in the documentary has also received an outpouring of love.
The show featured Ethan, who suffers from OCD, autism and cerebral palsy, getting his life back on track after being given an opportunity to work at the hotel.
He started an apprenticeship with the Headland as part of its Young Persons’ Summer Placement Scheme 2022.
A hotel spokeman said: “After Ethan’s story was highlighted, we have been inundated with an outpouring of love and support for him.
“Hotel director Veryan combined the letters, emails and social media comments and printed them for Ethan to keep.
“Before his latest shift, she presented them to Ethan, who wanted to thank everyone for their support.”