This January, Hamelin is once again joining forces with other not-for-profit organisations across the country as part of Just Helping’s Christmas tree collection.
For residents, it’s an easy and environmentally friendly way to dispose of their tree without the hassle of a trip to the tip, squeezing it into the wheelie bin or waiting for the council collection. But for Hamelin, it’s so much more than that.
It’s quick and easy to register: Go on www.just-helping.org.uk/register-tree, put in your postcode to book in your tree and see which charity is collecting in your area.
The funds raised through the collection helps Hamelin continue its work as well as reach more people each year.
Around 40,000 people in Essex are autistic or have a learning disability, yet fewer than 10% receive regular funded support to live the life they choose. Hamelin exists to change that, which is why over the past few years, demand for the charity’s services has more than doubled.
This kind of growth is only possible because of fundraising. Every Christmas tree collected and every donation made helps expand vital services, train more volunteers and reach people who would otherwise go without support. Thanks to community generosity, Hamelin has expanded its Ability Works employment training scheme and its Links befriending and mentoring programme, helping people build independence, confidence, connection and meaningful opportunities.
And the Christmas tree collection gives back in more ways than one. Once collected, each tree begins a new life at Hamelin’s horticultural training site, Roots & Shoots, where they’re either chipped into mulch or cut down into logs. These materials are then used throughout the year by people learning about woodwork, gardening, growing produce, and creating wildlife habitats. What started as a festive centrepiece becomes something that supports learning, wellbeing, and community growth long after the holidays end.
Recycling real Christmas trees also has a powerful environmental benefit. When a standard two metre tree ends up in landfill, it produces around 16kg of CO₂e due to methane released during decomposition, a gas 25 times more harmful than carbon dioxide. By recycling instead, this impact can be reduced by up to 80%, cutting emissions to around 3.5kg per tree. In 2025 Hamelin prevented an estimated 1,300kg of CO₂ emissions by recycling 104 trees at Roots and Shoots, which is a 20% increase on 2024. This year, you can help push that impact even further. By booking your tree for collection, or encouraging friends and family to do the same, you directly support both the environment, and the people Hamelin works with.
So, when you book your Christmas tree collection this year, you’re doing much more than saving yourself a chore. You’re helping Hamelin create new opportunities and build a more inclusive community. What’s more, a portion of the funds raised by Hamelin are distributed to other charitable organisations in the local area, so even more people benefit.
One small action, one tree, truly makes a big difference. Book your collection today and let its journey continue.
We're collecting in the SS4 1, SS4 3, SS4 9, SS5, SS6, SS7, SS9, SS11, SS12, CM11, CM12 postcode areas.