'Bags of support' delivered to elderly people across Sussex
Age UK's 'elf army' have been making the deliveries
Elderly vulnerable people across West Sussex and Brighton & Hove are being supported this Christmas, thanks to a project from Age UK.
'Bags of Support' are being delivered locally this festive season, featuring socks, hand warmers and advice on staying warm and reducing fuel bills.
The charity's 'elf army' have been making the deliveries throughout December, thanks to the help of Brighton based financial services company OneFamily, which has donated £2,500 to fund the project.
Helen Rice, Chief Executive at Age UK WSBH said “Energy prices have gone through the roof and we know some older people are even thinking they may have to choose between heating and eating which is so upsetting. Our bags of support will hopefully spread a little winter warmth, but more importantly, they’ll let older people know they can contact us if they are struggling. We have great success in accessing unclaimed welfare benefits for people and can also help them practically with advice on energy saving and staying warm and well. We hope our ‘elf army’ will put smiles on faces as they make their deliveries too.”
Teddy Nyahasha, CEO of OneFamily said, “This is an important campaign that gives practical gifts to the elderly but also some festive treats too. Due to the Covid situation we aren’t able to invite local Age UK members into our offices this year for their usual festive party, so we thought we’d take our Christmas cheer to their doorsteps instead.
“For some older people Christmas can feel especially lonely and sad. This year has been a tough time for everyone but when you live on your own and you’re vulnerable you can feel very frightened and alone. We hope our deliveries will bring some much-needed happiness and smiles, so some of the more isolated members of our community know that we’re thinking of them even if we can’t get together this year.”
The Winter Warmth campaign runs until March 2022.