We have been busy working together with local partners to bring some Christmas cheer to help combat loneliness across our Independent Living Schemes.
Independent Living Officer, Laura Jones, started an appeal asking people to write an extra Christmas card for those who will be especially lonely this Christmas period. We were thrilled to receive over 600 cards, showing the kindness of local residents, staff and volunteers in the Gloucester area.
The cards have been included in goodie bags for around 300 tenants who live across GCH’s Independent Living schemes and also those identified as alone in the area.
Our contractor Lovell has kindly donated Christmas Trees and lights to brighten up the 8 schemes and bring some festive cheer.
On Monday 21st December our partners RES Architects and Wales & West Utilities joined forces to give residents of Clapham Court a parcel containing “warm packs” alongside gift boxes containing Christmas treats. RES Architects also provided a food van to provide hot drinks and food for people collecting their boxes. Boxes and food were delivered to those who could not leave their home due to ill health or shielding.
Unfortunately planned outdoor Christmas Carols were cancelled at Halford House and Badger Vale Court due to bad weather but are planned to go ahead on Christmas eve.
Laura Jones, GCH Independent Living Officer said “It has been a difficult year for us all and especially the elderly and vulnerable. I have been blown away by the generosity of the public who have written so many spare Christmas cards that I have been delivering leftovers to local care homes. We hope that these small gestures make our residents feel slightly less lonely over Christmas.”
A big thank you to Lovell, Morrison’s Metz Way, Morrison’s Abbeydale, Fairshares & Friendship Cafe, RES Architects, Cape Homes, Aqua and EEM for all of their kind donations and for bringing a smile to the faces of many tenants during these uncertain times.