Supporting Older People Hope to Deliver 300 Small Treats This Christmas
Chamber member and local charity Supporting Older People began delivering small treats to our 300 beneficiaries during the pandemic, supported by our wonderful volunteers. These “doorstep deliveries” and a chat were a lifeline to people who in some cases did not have a visitor for 15 months. We decided to continue this each Christmas as it has been consistently mentioned as the thing which brought our beneficiaries the most joy during this difficult time.
During the winter months when days are short, older people spend much more time indoors and so the impact on their emotional wellbeing of a surprise visit, chat and unexpected gift is incalculable. The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, but for many, they can be a time of loneliness. According to a survey conducted by the Mental Health Foundation, over half of adults in the UK (54%) feel lonely at least some of the time, and this loneliness is often heightened during the festive season.
These Christmas gifts are the only present which some older people receive. They really lift everyone’s spirits and make them feel that someone is thinking of them.
So we would be thrilled if Chamber members could support our 2023 Christmas appeal by donating small gifts, costing a maximum of £5, helping us wrap presents or deliver them. We need to have all the presents ready for delivery on 20th and 21st December in Harrogate and Knaresborough. The difference which a surprise knock on the door and chat makes is absolutely brilliant and sometimes this is sadly the only present an older person may receive.
We also desperately need more drivers for two of our Christmas events – our Tea and Talk Christmas party for about 40 people at the Crown Hotel on Tuesday 12th December and we ned to transport 70 people to our main party at Oakdale Golf Club on 1th December! People need picking up for Tea and Talk at approx. 1.15pm and taking home from the Crown at 3.30pm and the Oakdale party starts at 12 and finishes at 3pm.
If you can offer any help with these events, please contact Kate, Julia and Lorna at Supporting Older People on 01423 531490 or email Team@supportingolderpeople.org.uk
