ABCD supports individuals and families whose circumstances are quietly devastating their mental and emotional wellbeing — people who appear to be coping, but behind closed doors are not.
ABCD stands for Alone Behind Closed Doors — named for the reality so many people live with every day.
"We were not looking forward to Christmas. ABCD gave us the best gift ever — hope. Thank you."
— ABCD recipient family"The hamper was a lifeline. It was brilliant. Truly grateful."
— ABCD recipientABCD was founded on a simple truth: many people don't fit neatly into one category of need. Someone may be struggling financially, emotionally, practically — or all three at once. ABCD was built to meet people where generic services cannot. Where most food charities provide standard parcels, ABCD builds every hamper around the individual — their culture, their family, their choices. No two hampers are the same.
We tailor every hamper to reflect each recipient's cultural background, dietary needs and personal preferences. Being acknowledged as an individual — not a case number — matters deeply, especially during periods of mental health struggle.
Financial pressure and unmet practical needs are among the biggest drivers of poor mental health. By meeting specific needs directly, we remove the weight that stops people from being able to cope.
There is a difference between receiving a generic box and receiving something made for you. ABCD is built on the belief that how support is given matters as much as what is given.
Our approach builds real relationships. Volunteers don't just deliver — they listen, follow up, and stay in contact. This trust encourages people to seek further support when they need it most.
We work year-round, not just at Christmas. Every form of support we offer is built around the individual's actual circumstances — never generic, never one-size-fits-all.
Every hamper is built from a detailed personal form — covering cultural background, dietary requirements, family size, and individual food choices. Around 90% food, with essentials like clothing, nappies, and toiletries where needed. Enough to last a family up to a week.
Where counselling is needed, ABCD funds access directly. Cost is never a barrier. We cover the fees so people can get the professional emotional support they need.
Poor living conditions directly affect mental health. ABCD funds practical support — flooring, pest control, damp reports — wherever the home environment is adding to someone's distress.
We don't just signpost. Experienced volunteers complete referrals, applications and processes alongside beneficiaries — or on their behalf, with their knowledge and consent — so no one is left to navigate the system alone.
Caring volunteers stay in regular contact with those who need ongoing support — at least every other month, for a minimum of six to eight months, sometimes throughout the full year.
Where immediate need arises, we provide supermarket vouchers and help with essentials such as bills and children's lunch money. Support that keeps families afloat between crises.
ABCD was founded by Jemma Cyrus — recipient of the Wise Woman Award 2023 for her impact in the community — after her own 35-year journey with depression. As a qualified chef, she understood that food is more than fuel. It is dignity, culture, and comfort. That understanding became the foundation of everything ABCD does.
In 2016, Jemma announced her idea on social media without much planning. The response was overwhelming. That first Christmas, she, her sister and her cousin cooked through the night in a small flat, crafting hampers for 17 families across London and the home counties — each one personalised, each one delivered by hand on Christmas Day. Roti for an Asian family. Roast chicken for another. Every hamper a reminder that someone cared.
When they returned home exhausted and emotional, Jemma knew she had found her calling.
What was meant to be a one-year project became something far larger. Today ABCD operates year-round, supporting families not just through food but through counselling, home maintenance, advocacy, and sustained human contact. The dream is to expand across more locations, reaching people who would otherwise remain unseen.
"If the work ABCD does can make a difference in the lives of others, lift their spirits, and even change their lives, then not only is the hard work worth it — but my 35-year battle with depression will not have been in vain."
— Jemma Cyrus, Founder17 families receive personalised food hampers, delivered by hand on Christmas Day across London and the home counties. Jemma, her sister and cousin cook through the night.
Demand grows significantly. Cooking moves to a local church kitchen. Dedicated volunteers join for the first time.
Around 20 volunteers join. The hamper model evolves — shaped by Jemma's background as a qualified chef, the food choices available to recipients become more thoughtful, more detailed, and more culturally considered.
Delivery moves to Christmas Eve. Partnerships strengthened with local schools and social services, reaching families who might otherwise go unnoticed.
ABCD expands beyond Christmas. After lockdown, a single-parent family of five children has their entire home carpeted through community fundraising — transforming a bare, unfurnished space into a home.
Jemma receives the Wise Woman Award 2023 for her impact in the community. 5% of every Jemz Cake Box sale begins going directly to ABCD.
Many of those we support are parents whose circumstances are silently affecting their children. Schools see this every day — and they trust ABCD to help. We work closely with schools across London and the home counties, who refer families they know are struggling but who may not be reaching statutory services.
Schools refer families directly to ABCD when they identify a child whose home circumstances are affecting their wellbeing, attendance, or ability to engage at school.
When a parent receives a hamper, funded counselling, or practical support, the whole family benefits. Children eat well, feel more settled, and go to school in a home that has been relieved of some of its pressure.
Our school partnerships are built on trust. When a school refers a family to ABCD, they know that family will be treated with dignity, care, and genuine personalisation — not a generic response.
"ABCD supports families from our school and we encourage the children to get involved with fundraising too."
— School partnerThese are the words of people who have received support from ABCD. They say it better than we ever could.
"The hamper was AMAZING. The kids were soooo happy. I raved about ABCD to the school."
"Oh my gosh, the hamper was a lifeline. It was brilliant. Truly grateful."
"I was surprised by the size of the hamper — it was very welcomed during a tough period."
"The leg of lamb was huge. It was the best! The kids really enjoyed the food."
"We were not looking forward to Christmas. ABCD gave us the best gift ever — hope. Thank you."
"Fantastic hamper, brilliant snacks. My son loved the cake and the snacks."
Nominations reach us through schools, community organisations, local churches — or directly from individuals themselves. All nominations go through a careful assessment process. Here's how it works.
Complete a nomination on behalf of someone, or refer yourself. Referrals can come from schools, churches, community organisations, or social services.
An experienced ABCD volunteer will make contact to learn more. All nominations are carefully assessed against our criteria — we prioritise those with the greatest need and least support.
Where a nomination is accepted, the right support is arranged — whether that's a hamper, funded counselling, home maintenance, or sustained check-ins.
All nominations go through a careful assessment process. We are not a walk-in service — support is allocated based on demonstrated need and available resources. We work across London and the home counties. If you are unsure whether someone qualifies, please get in touch.
We are building a network of community and corporate partners who share our values. Partnership with ABCD works both ways — your support helps us reach more families, and we make sure you benefit too.
Support ABCD's fundraising events and receive half-price tickets for your team or clients — a meaningful way to engage your network while giving back to the community.
Schools, churches, and community organisations who refer nominees to us become recognised ABCD community partners, acknowledged on our website and across our social channels.
Businesses who support ABCD financially or in kind are recognised as corporate partners. We'll work with you on what a meaningful, visible partnership looks like for your organisation.
Your donation goes directly to the people who need it. No watered-down help. No generic parcels. Real, personalised support for real people.
Can fund regular counselling sessions for someone who couldn't otherwise afford professional emotional support.
Can help top up a general monthly food shop for a family of four — keeping them afloat between crises.
Can fund a fully loaded, personalised hamper — enough food and essentials for a family for up to two weeks.
Choose an amount to donate:
5% of every order from Jemz Cake Box goes directly to ABCD.