A leisure centre has launched a campaign to help struggling families.

Malvern Splash, operated by Freedom Leisure, has introduced the 'Freedom to Give Back' campaign in partnership with the Starting Well Partnership and Action for Children.

The aim is to bring festive cheer to families in need.

Community members are encouraged to donate gifts from December 1 to families and children who might otherwise go without presents this Christmas.

The centre's Christmas tree will be adorned with tags suggesting specific gifts, including toys, books, board games, and toiletries.

The Malvern community is invited to pick a tag, purchase the suggested gift, and return it to Malvern Splash.

Action for Children will then distribute these gifts to families.

Adele Hodges, Worcestershire healthy communities manager for Freedom Leisure, said: "We’re thrilled to partner with Starting Well Partnership and Action for Children to support local families.

"The holiday season is about coming together, and this campaign aligns perfectly with our own mission ‘to improve lives through leisure’ and gives our community the opportunity to make a meaningful impact to those in need."

Malvern Splash will also be rewarding the public's generosity by giving away free swimming tickets and gym passes.

Councillor Jennie Watkins, portfolio holder for communities and housing at Malvern Hills District Council, said: "This is a wonderful initiative which gives residents the opportunity to help and support families in need this Christmas time."

The initiative is supported by Action for Children, a group that works with the Starting Well Partnership to support families struggling financially.

Sarah Walton, community lead at Action for Children, said: "As part of the Starting Well Partnership, Action for Children works to support families locally who are struggling financially.

"This is a fabulous initiative that will enable us to provide presents to these families, meaning their children and young people will have presents to open on Christmas Day."

Freedom Leisure is one of the UK's leading charitable not-for-profit leisure trusts, managing over 120 leisure and cultural facilities across England and Wales.

All surpluses are reinvested into community facilities, aligning with their mission to 'improve lives through leisure'.

Action for Children, with 372 services in communities across the UK, provides practical and emotional care and support to vulnerable children and young people.

In 2023/2024, the organisation helped 687,755 children, young people, and families.

The 'Freedom to Give Back' campaign at Malvern Splash represents a joint effort to spread joy and hope during the festive season, ensuring that no child is left without a gift under the Christmas tree.